May 23, 2023
The proposed Tumuruu solar farm at Taromeo has a projected life of 30 years, but what will happen to the land after that?
The proponents, Australian Solar Enterprises (ASE), released an information pack (4.4Mb PDF) on Tuesday which aims to deal with this question, as well as provide other information about the project, including supplier and work opportunities.
“The project life is approximately 50 years. At this time, feasibility studies and landholder consultation would be undertaken to determine if the project is to be recommissioned (rebuilt with latest technology at the time) or decommissioned.”
If the project is decommissioned, ASE says it already has an agreement in place with the host landholder in regards to rehabilitation of the land.
“The Development Approval from the South Burnett Regional Council for Tumuruu is likely to require Tumuruu to be decommissioned at the end of (its) operational life and land to be returned to its original condition.
“It involves dismantling and removing solar panels, structures and ancillary infrastructure (cables, inverters, fencing) from the site and recycling, reusing or disposing materials and waste products, and returning the site to its pre-existing use and land and soil capability class.
“It also involves disconnecting the development from the electricity network.
“The proponent of any solar energy project should be responsible for decommissioning and rehabilitation, and this should be reflected in an agreement with the host landholder.
“Tumuruu already has this agreement in place for the proposed site.”
The information pack includes QR code links for local businesses interested in supplying construction and operational services during the project, and for residents interested in employment opportunities.
- External link: Tumuruu website
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