Overview
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is an operational solar PV facility in Queensland, Australia. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity under national and state renewable energy targets.
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is an operational solar photovoltaic facility located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia. The plant generates clean electricity from solar energy, supporting the local grid and Australia's transition to renewable power. As a solar PV installation, it represents a key technology in the country's renewable energy mix. The facility operates under Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) and Queensland's renewable energy policies, which aim to increase the share of renewables in the national electricity grid. Solar PV plants like this one benefit from falling technology costs and supportive regulatory frameworks, including large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) that incentivize renewable energy production. Environmentally, the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm reduces greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil-fuel-based electricity. Solar PV has minimal water usage and low operational emissions, though land use and visual impact are considerations. The facility supports grid stability and contributes to Australia's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with community and government priorities for clean energy.
Environmental context
The Sunshine Coast region enjoys high solar irradiance, making it ideal for solar PV generation. Solar farms require large land areas, which can affect local ecosystems and land use, but they produce no air or water pollution during operation. The facility's location in a developed area minimizes additional habitat disruption, and its output helps reduce reliance on coal-fired power, lowering regional carbon emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is located in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland, Australia, at coordinates approximately 26.56°S, 153.03°E.
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm produces solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity, converting sunlight directly into electrical energy.
Yes, Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is currently operational and generating renewable electricity for the grid.
Solar farms in Australia operate under the Renewable Energy Target (RET), which includes large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) to incentivize renewable energy. State-level policies, such as Queensland's Renewable Energy Plan, also support development.
Solar PV generates electricity without greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and has low water consumption. It contributes to climate change mitigation and energy independence.