Collinsville Solar Farm - 42 MW Solar PV Facility in Queensland, Australia

Collinsville Solar Farm is a 42 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located near Collinsville in Queensland, Australia. The plant is owned by RATCH Australia Corporation Limited and is currently operational, adding to Australia's growing portfolio of utility-scale solar energy projects. As a medium-scale solar farm, it plays a role in diversifying the region's energy mix and supporting grid stability. The facility operates under Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET), which aims to generate 33,000 GWh of renewable electricity annually by 2020 and beyond. Solar PV technology in Australia benefits from high solar irradiance, particularly in Queensland, making such projects economically viable. The plant's 42 MW capacity places it in the medium-scale category for Australian solar farms, which typically range from 10 MW to over 100 MW. Collinsville Solar Farm contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. It also supports local employment during construction and maintenance phases. The facility's location in a region with strong solar resources ensures efficient energy production, aligning with Australia's transition towards a lower-carbon electricity grid.

The Collinsville area in Queensland experiences high solar irradiance, making it suitable for solar PV generation. Solar farms like this one require land clearing and can impact local ecosystems, though they have a lower visual impact compared to wind farms. The facility's operation avoids water consumption typical of thermal power plants and produces no direct emissions, contributing to improved air quality and reduced carbon footprint in the region.