Tasmania is taking a major step toward its renewable energy goals with the new 288 MW Northern Midlands Solar Farm, a key project backed by Hydro Tasmania.
The state-owned utility has signed a power purchase agreement with TasRex to buy all electricity generated from the AUD 500 million (USD 325 million) project. Located at Connorville Estates near Cressy, the official Connorville Solar Farm is projected to create 370 jobs during its construction phase. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with completion expected in 2027.
670,000-Panel Farm to Power 70,000 Tasmanian Homes
The Northern Midlands Solar Farm will be built on existing farmland in Cressy, a small town 35 km (22 miles) southwest of Launceston. As a landmark for commercial solar in the Launceston region, the facility will feature 670,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels and a significant battery storage system (BESS). Once operational, the farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 70,000 homes.
The project aligns with Tasmania’s goal of achieving 200% renewable energy generation by 2040 and includes plans for a new 220-kV transmission line. The state has already achieved 100% net renewable energy, primarily through its abundant hydro resources and several wind projects.
Nick Duigan, Minister for Energy and Renewables, emphasized the project’s significance: “This is a significant project that will diversify our state’s renewable energy generation mix, support job creation and stimulate economic growth in the local community during and post construction. We know that as our state grows, our energy demand is also growing. We also know we will need more energy to continue to meet Tasmania’s needs.”
A “Transformative Project” Backed by Key Energy Partners
“This transformative project redefines the possibilities for solar energy development in Tasmania, and it is also an important step towards Tasmania’s 200% renewable energy target. It is exciting to think that this land will soon generate enough power for 70,000 homes, while still supporting sheep grazing for high-quality wool production,” said Bess Clark, TasRex CEO.
“The deal gives TasRex the confidence to proceed with this major development and deliver an important new renewable energy source to help power Tasmanian homes and businesses,” said Erin van Maanen, Hydro Tasmania’s acting CEO.
Integrating Sheep Grazing with Agri-Solar Project
As an agri-solar initiative, the project will allow sheep grazing and wool production to continue on the land.
Roderick O’Connor, whose family has owned and managed Connorville Estates for nearly 200 years, plans to rotate about 2,000 sheep through the solar farm area to graze beneath and between the panels. The farm currently raises around 22,000 sheep.
O’Connor expressed his enthusiasm for developing the project there, noting that the chosen site is on light, grazing-sensitive terrain.
