Goldwind Gullen Solar and Wind Farm
Australia’s First Co-Located Solar and Wind Farm
The Gullen Range Solar project is Australia’s first hybrid solar and wind farm. The 42,000 panel Gullen Solar Farm was co-located with a 73-turbine wind farm, providing more continuous energy generation. Wind farms tend to generate more energy overnight whilst solar only generates during the day. The combined facility can power more than 70,000 average homes.
The project secured funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (AGENCY). Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (BJCE) and Goldwind (Capital) Australia. Balance-Decmil JV was honoured to be nominated as the Engineer Procure and Construct partner.
- Location:
- 30km NW of Goulburn, New South Wales Australia
- Project:
- Gullen Range Solar and Wind Farm
- Solution:
- Balance/Decmil JV 13.1 MW capacity PV install
- Commissioned:
- September 2017
The success of Gullen solar farm has laid the groundwork for more solar plants to be built alongside wind farms in other areas of Australia and is also helping large-scale solar costs fall more quickly.
- ARENA boss Ivor Frischknecht
Weiwei Shi, General Manager of BJCE Australia, described the dual clean energy plant as “historic.” “Gullen Solar Farm is an important demonstration project” he said. “It proves the advantages of co-location energy infrastructure, which effectively minimizes costs and environmental impacts.
Balance Solution
- The large-scale (13.1MW) project required a high quality solution, ensuring maximum operation of all functions occurred.
- First class modelling and versatile racking system was utilised to manage the build on undulating terrain.
- Shading analysis of the site to maximise the output of the array for the limitations imposed by the site conditions (land contours, heritage zones, hollow bearing trees, soil conditions). Adjusting row spacing for changes in ground slope.
- Innovative earthing system reduced the number of stakes required (consequentially reduces effort required for maintenance checks).
- Monitoring of dirt on PV panels via SCADA for optimization of cleaning schedule.
- System monitoring includes Power Quality parameters (HV & LV).
- Aerial photography employed during entire construction.
