planned installed capacity of the proposed solar farm to be built at a site approximately 45 km from the town of Dalby in south-western Queensland.

proposed to be generated per year.

approximate number of households that can be powered by the farm.

estimated reduction in CO2 emissions each year, once the farm is operational.

hectares of land will be used for the farm.

solar panels will be used on mounting structures across the site.

major organisations involved: 1) Project owner and developer: APA Group 2) EPC and O&M: RCR Tomlinson 3) Distribution: Origin Energy.

estimated project cost.

in grant funding from ARENA approved on 08 Sep 2016.

peak jobs during construction phase.

FTE during operational phase.

Expected commencement of project. Project will take approximately one year to construct.

Development approval obtained from Western Downs Regional Council.

Origin Energy sells Darling Downs Solar Farm to APA Group and agrees to buy all of the power generated from the farm from 2018 to 2030. This also marks the financial close for the farm, as APA will fund the development of the farm on its own, apart from the $20 million funding received from ARENA.

APA Group awards contract to RCR Tomlinson Ltd valued at approximately $175 million. RCR’s scope of work includes engineering, procurement and construction (“EPC”) and commissioning of the solar farm, including associated substations and grid connection works.

Construction of 350 metres of new transmission line on three new transmission poles commences; this will connect the farm to the state’s electricity network later this year. Works will be undertaken by Powerlink.

Bird's eye view capturing the progress of the farm - image courtesy Powelink

Bird's eye view capturing the progress of the farm - image courtesy Origin Energy