Ranking as the 165th largest power generation facility among 678 in Australia, the Ross River Solar Plant is a significant contributor to the nation's renewable energy landscape. With a capacity of 148 MW, it stands out as the 9th largest solar facility among 83 in the country. Solar energy dominates Australia's power generation, and the Ross River plant illustrates the growing emphasis on sustainable energy sources. Its contribution represents approximately 0.09% of Australia's total capacity of 157,141 MW. The technology used at Ross River leverages photovoltaic systems to convert sunlight directly into electricity, which is vital for reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy. Located near Townsville, the plant benefits from a sunny climate that enhances its efficiency. Within a 50 km radius, notable neighboring plants include the Haughton River Solar Farm, a much larger facility at 500 MW, and several oil and gas plants like Mount Stuart (423 MW) and Townsville (220 MW). This regional energy cluster highlights a diverse energy mix, though Ross River's solar capacity is a crucial element of Australia's transition to greener energy sources. The country's energy profile is heavily weighted towards solar, making Ross River's contributions all the more significant in the context of energy security and sustainability. Owned and operated by a consortium focused on renewable initiatives, Ross River commenced operations in recent years, reflecting the urgency to integrate more solar power into the grid. As Australia moves toward its renewable energy targets, the Ross River Solar Plant's role will likely expand, contributing not only to local energy needs but also to the overarching goal of a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
15 years old
Australia, Oceania
- Primary Fuel Type
- Solar
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
Australia- Continent
- Oceania
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Solar power generation harnesses the sun's energy using photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar thermal systems to produce electricity. The basic principle of solar power generation involves converting sunlight into usable energy. When sunlight hits a PV cell, it excites electrons in the semiconductor material, generating an electric current. This process is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar thermal systems, on the other hand, use sunlight to heat a fluid that, in turn, produces steam to drive a turbine and generate electricity. Both methods provide a clean and renewable energy source that is gaining significant traction worldwide.
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