Haughton solar farm

Learn about Haughton solar farm

Located in North Queensland’s Burdekin Shire (40km west of Ayr and 60km south of Townsville), Haughton Solar Farm is a large-scale solar photovoltaic power station. The solar farm is being built in stages with the first 100MW of the project opened in 2019. Once all stages are complete, Haughton Solar Farm is expected to have a generating capacity of up to 500MW, enough to power approximately 291,000 homes.

Haughton Solar Farm will provide a renewable energy source for the local and surrounding communities, whilst assisting in reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets in Queensland and making a considerable contribution to the Renewable Energy Target. Stage 1 of the project will abate approximately 320,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

The site was identified as an area highly suitable for efficiently capturing solar energy – the region has one of the highest levels of solar irradiance in Australia, receiving 2,095 KWh/m² per annum. The north-eastern corner of the development site directly adjoins the existing 275kV Powerlink transmission line, providing the opportunity to connect to the NEM.

The Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund will share the benefits of the solar farm with local groups and not-for-profits each year for the life of the solar farm.