Pacific Blue, Australia’s leading renewable energy generator and retailer, has received approval from the Burdekin Shire Council for a significant expansion of its Haughton Solar Farm in North Queensland.
The project will add 300 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity to the existing 100 MW facility, along with a 200 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The expansion will increase the solar farm’s total capacity to 400 MW, enabling it to power an additional 110,000 homes.
The new solar panels will cover an area of 1,154 hectares, substantially increasing the project’s footprint.
Pacific Blue CEO Domenic Capomolla highlighted the importance of this development, stating: “Once this stage is complete, Haughton Solar Farm is expected to have a generating capacity of up to 500 MW and enough power for around 290,000 homes.
“This project is the second stage of the four-part plan for Pacific Blue’s Burdekin Renewables Hub.”
The 200 MW BESS will play a crucial role in enhancing grid stability.
With a storage duration of over two hours, the battery system can be charged by the solar farm and release energy to the grid as needed, particularly during nighttime or peak demand periods.
The expansion is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, creating 405 full-time jobs during construction and 10 permanent roles once operational.
Pacific Blue has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement through its Haughton Sustainable Community Fund.
Since its inception, the fund has contributed over $400,000 to more than 60 local projects.
In an innovative approach to land use, the company has been conducting an AgriSolar trial at the site since 2022.
This initiative involves grazing 100 Dorper sheep on the solar farm, which has resulted in reduced landscaping costs and improved animal welfare.
The Haughton Solar Farm expansion is part of a larger vision for the Burdekin Renewables Hub. Future stages of the project are set to include a 500 MW wind farm and a 250 MW pumped hydro energy storage scheme.
These additions will further contribute to Queensland’s and Australia’s renewable energy targets.
Construction of the solar expansion is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with commissioning expected from mid-2027.
The battery system’s construction is set to start in mid-2026, with commissioning anticipated in late 2027.
This ambitious project represents a significant step forward in Australia’s transition to renewable energy, combining large-scale solar generation with advanced energy storage technology to provide clean, reliable power to the region.
