Adani, India’s biggest solar power producer and top coal-fired generator has secured land to build two solar farms in Australia worth $300 mn.
The solar deal comes as Adani continues to clash opposition about its plans to construct a $7 billion coal-mine in Australia, a project that has been long-stuck due to a thread of environmental lawsuits.
Adani said it would build a 100-200 MW solar farm in Moranbah, one of the towns worst hit over the past four years by the global slump in coal mining.
Construction is expected to take about a year and due to begin in mid-2017.
Another solar farm will be in a town in South Australia stung by the downfall of steel maker Arrium, Whyalla with construction of the 120-150 MW plant to begin in late 2017, said Adani in a separate statement on Friday.
Mackay Conservation Group coordinator Peter McCallum said in an emailed statement, “This is a sensible move that recognises the long term future of electricity production is in renewables.”
The South Australia has led the country’s push away from coal-fired power, with wind and solar energy accounting for about 40% of the state’s electricity supply.
A green group that has long fought Adani’s planned Carmichael coal mine welcomed its expansion into solar power in Australia.
Adani Group secures land deals; to spend $300 mn on Australia solar plants
