Sunraysia Solar PV Facility | 200 MW Operational Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia

Sunraysia is a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in New South Wales, Australia, with an operational capacity of 200 megawatts. As one of the country's significant solar installations, it plays a key role in Australia's transition to renewable energy, supported by the national Renewable Energy Target (RET) which aims for 33,000 GWh of renewable electricity by 2020. The facility utilizes solar PV technology to convert sunlight into electricity, feeding into the National Electricity Market (NEM). With a capacity of 200 MW, Sunraysia falls into the large-scale category for solar farms in Australia. The project benefits from Australia's high solar irradiance, particularly in the inland region where it is located, ensuring efficient energy generation. Environmentally, Sunraysia helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based power. Solar farms like this have minimal water usage and low operational emissions, though they require significant land area. The facility supports grid stability and contributes to Australia's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with state-level renewable energy targets.

The Sunraysia solar farm is situated in a semi-arid region of New South Wales, characterized by high solar irradiance and low rainfall. The area's land use is primarily agricultural, and the solar installation represents a dual-use opportunity where grazing can continue beneath panels. The facility's location avoids sensitive ecosystems, though large-scale solar farms can impact local biodiversity through land clearing. Overall, the project supports Australia's renewable energy transition with minimal environmental footprint compared to fossil fuel alternatives.