The Victorian Government has announced a commitment of $10 million in funding for the next stage of the large-scale Solar Systems Project, which will see a new 1.5 megawatt solar pilot plant build near Mildura, consisting of 40 photovoltaic dishes.

 

The latest funding injection brings the Victorian Government’s total commitment to the project to $50 million, following the successful completion and assessment of the first phase of the project that included a 600 kilowatt pilot installed at Bridgewater.

 

The project includes further testing of Solar Systems’ technologies developed as part of stage one of the project at the company’s Abbotsford manufacturing and testing facility.

 

“This funding takes Solar Systems one step closer to its planned development of a large scale solar power plant in Mildura that could provide enough electricity to power more than 35,000 households and create high skill local jobs,” State Energy Minister Michael O’Brien said.

 

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has welcomed the funding commitment, describing it is an important next step towards showcasing the State’s energy innovation to the world.

 

This technology uses large dishes to concentrate the sun’s power and harness it using super-intensity solar cells, which are produced by the company at a plant in Melbourne’s north,” EC Chief Executive David Green said.

 

“I would like to congratulate the Victorian Government for continuing its commitment to local technology leaders, as well as Clean Energy Council members Silex Systems, the owners of Solar Systems.”