Solar PV project developer and services provider Photon Energy said it had started development of its largest utility-scale solar power plant to date, a 316MW project near Gunning, New South Wales, Australia.

Photon Energy noted that the project is expected to start construction in early 2019 and is currently at an early-stage with the project going through the New South Wales government State Significant Development process and the grid connection process was said to be underway with Transgrid as it will require the design of a substation for approximately 300MW (AC) to be connected to Transgrid's 330 KV network.

"Gunning is to date the largest solar project Photon Energy is developing with a view of making a material contribution to Australia's goal of meeting its renewable energy target", said Michael Gartner, Managing Director of Photon Energy Australia. Photon Energy is also developing further large-scale solar power plants with a combined capacity of 42 MWp in Australia.”

Photon Energy has operated in Australia for several years and has built commercial rooftop projects in major cities. 

"Today's announcement puts us into a leading position in the Australian market for utility-scale solar projects and confirms our ability to identify suitable locations in the world's sunniest continent and reinforces our commitment to contribute substantially to the transformation of Australia's energy mix towards renewable energy sources", added Georg Hotar, Chief Executive Officer of Photon Energy NV.