Plans Unveiled for New Solar in Mannum, SA

Lightsource BP and Golder, the consultancy appointed to undertake environmental planning and community engagement, are hosting a community information event in Mannum, to outline the Lightsource BP proposal to fund, build and operate a solar project on 540 acres of land approximately 3km west of Mannum town centre, SA.

Lightsource BP wishes to give residents and interested parties an opportunity to find out more about this proposal and about the company. As well as developing sites, Lightsource BP manages those sites, and as part of that long-term approach, hope to establish a good relationship with its neighbours.
The event will be held at The Barn, Mannum Motel, 76 Cliff Street Mannum on Wednesday 7th August 2019. People can drop in any time between 3pm and 7pm to speak to staff from both companies.

The solar installation would have a capacity of approximately 100MW, generating enough clean and renewable energy to power 34,700 households and save 167,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of removing 60,300 cars from the roads. The construction of the proposed installation would also create around 300 skilled construction jobs in the region, as well as 2 to 3 on-going roles during operation.

Since South Australia has pledged to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2025, the installation Lightsource BP is proposing, and others like it, will make an important contribution to this target.

The proposal design ensures 15ha of native vegetation will be retained and impacts on waterways will be avoided. The solar farm is also designed to allow for sheep grazing beneath and between the rows of panels, preserving an agricultural co-use alongside solar energy generation. Lightsource BP solar installations can also support bee keeping, which may be an additional co-use for the land in the future.

Adam Pegg, Country Manager, Australia at Lightsource BP said:
“We are hosting this information evening to have an open and transparent discussion with residents. It’s an opportunity for us to present our plans, research and further information about our business and have a two- way discussion with residents. During the event, we aim to discuss why the land area has been chosen and the benefits of our proposals.”

Residents can obtain further information on the project, at any time, by calling Hannah Keynes on (08) 8213 2130, or emailing midmurraysolar@golder.com.au.