Overview
Oakey Solar Farm is an operational solar PV facility located in Queensland, Australia. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the national Renewable Energy Target.
Oakey Solar Farm is an operational solar photovoltaic power plant located in Queensland, Australia. The facility is situated near the town of Oakey and represents a significant investment in solar energy generation within the region. As a solar PV installation, it converts sunlight directly into electricity, supporting Australia's transition to a low-carbon energy system. The plant operates under Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) framework, which aims to generate 33,000 GWh of renewable electricity annually by 2020. Solar farms in Australia typically range from 5 MW to over 100 MW, with Oakey Solar Farm likely falling within the medium-scale category. The facility benefits from Queensland's high solar irradiance, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. Environmentally, Oakey Solar Farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity. Solar PV systems have minimal water usage and low operational emissions, though they require land for panel installation. The farm's location in a rural area minimizes visual impact on urban centers, and its operation supports local employment and energy security.
Environmental context
The Oakey Solar Farm is located in Queensland, Australia, a region with high solar irradiance ideal for photovoltaic generation. Solar farms require significant land area, which can affect local ecosystems and land use. However, they produce no air or water pollution during operation and have a low carbon footprint. The facility's placement in a rural area reduces visual impact on populated regions, and its contribution to renewable energy helps mitigate climate change impacts on local biodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
Oakey Solar Farm is located in Queensland, Australia, near the town of Oakey. Its coordinates are approximately 27.4025° S, 151.6448° E.
Oakey Solar Farm is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility that generates electricity by converting sunlight directly into electrical energy.
Yes, Oakey Solar Farm is operational and actively generating solar power for the grid.
Solar farms in Australia operate under the Renewable Energy Target (RET), which mandates a certain amount of renewable electricity generation. Additionally, state-level policies and feed-in tariffs may apply.
Solar farms produce clean electricity with no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and have minimal water usage. They contribute to climate change mitigation and energy sustainability.