Recently there has been significant increases and volatility in power costs to key Riverland local businesses including those with high energy needs. Economic diversification and development in the Riverland is constrained by the cost and unreliability of power to grow existing business and attract new business. The proposed construction of the Berri Renewable Energy Solar Power Generation Facility is in response to a localized need for affordable power to users with high load requirements to support business, local economic growth and stability of the Riverland region.

The Berri Barmera Council has been offered a grant of $5,034,000 under the State Local Government Infrastructure Partnership (SLGIP). This grant will go towards a $25.17 million proposal to build a 10 megawatt solar generation facility to provide more stable supply and pricing of electricity to Local users.

In addition to the commitment from the SLGIP to fund 20% of the cost of this major project, Council will have access to a discounted loan rate over 10 years for borrowings required and negotiated through the Local Government Finance Authority.

The funding received will accelerate the project providing immediate economic stimulus through construction and job creation. It will create 132 full time jobs during construction and 3 full time positions during the operation of the plant.

As well as employment, other specific economic benefits include –

• gross value added (labour, goods and materials sourced locally)
• skills – providing skills for local workers providing foundation to support future solar projects in the region and state
• long term economic growth strategy – contribute to diversifying the economy and build local skills
• supply chain development – Australian manufacturing of tracker systems, power cables, switch gears and construction and installation of plants.

In addition to the above economic benefits noted above, the commercial viability of the project will benefit all ratepayers of the Berri Barmera Council by providing an alternative revenue source to council other than rate revenue or the reliance on grant funds from other tiers of government. An independent financial modelling process has been completed and confirms the solar farm’s viability.