A SOLAR farm valued at almost $100 million is set to be built at Yanco and boost jobs by 120 during the construction phase.

The 60MW solar and big battery project has been fast-tracked as part of the third tranche of the state government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.

It is being developed by German engineering company ib Vogt around one kilometre west of Yanco on 152ha and will use single axis tracker photovoltaic panels, and on-site battery storage units of either 81MW/57MW rated capacity.

The nearby Yanco TransGrid Substation provides easy access to the grid.

Leeton Shire Council’s general manager Jackie Kruger said the state significant development valued at $99.3 million was set to start in six months and would boost employment in the area.

“We are pleased this major development will bring around 120 jobs especially during the construction phase,” Mrs Kruger said.

“Timing couldn’t be better as many jobs particularly in manufacturing industries have been impacted.

“The construction jobs generated from the solar project will offer a reprieve.”

While Council supports renewable energy in principle, Council was not initially keen to see prime irrigated agricultural land sterilised through solar.

Mayor Paul Maytom said Council found a winwin outcome by agreeing to a 30-year consent with the development applicant, ib vogt GmbH, where the land needs to be rehabilitated for irrigation purposes once the solar farm is decommissioned.

Council withdrew its original objection to the development after ib vogt GmbH offered a voluntary planning agreement including a 30 year time limit on the operation, a commitment to rehabilitate the area to full irrigable capacity at the end of its life, and a $900,000 financial contribution to Leeton Shire council for community infrastructure projects (paid over 30 years and CPI indexed).