Overview
Ross River is a 148 MW operational solar PV facility in Queensland, Australia. It contributes to the country's renewable energy capacity under the national Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme.
Ross River is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power station located in Queensland, Australia. With a capacity of 148 megawatts (MW), it is a medium-to-large scale solar facility, contributing to Australia's growing renewable energy portfolio. The plant is operational and plays a role in the state's energy mix. The facility operates under Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) framework, which aims to generate 33,000 GWh of renewable electricity annually by 2020. Queensland's solar resources are among the best globally, and Ross River benefits from high solar irradiance. The plant uses standard PV technology, typical for utility-scale solar projects in the region. Environmentally, Ross River helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. Solar PV has minimal water use and low operational emissions. The facility supports grid stability and contributes to Queensland's renewable energy goals, aligning with national efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.
Environmental context
The Ross River solar PV facility is located in a region with high solar irradiance, typical of Queensland's tropical climate. Solar farms require significant land area, which can impact local ecosystems and land use. However, PV technology has low water consumption and no direct emissions during operation. The facility supports Australia's renewable energy transition and helps reduce reliance on coal-fired power.
Frequently asked questions
Ross River solar PV facility is located in Queensland, Australia, near the city of Townsville.
Ross River has a capacity of 148 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale solar installation.
The operator of Ross River is not publicly listed, but it is part of Australia's renewable energy infrastructure under the Renewable Energy Target.
Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme mandates a certain amount of renewable electricity generation, incentivizing solar PV projects like Ross River.
Ross River reduces greenhouse gas emissions by generating clean electricity, displacing fossil fuel-based power, and has minimal water usage.