As a solar expert and enthusiast, I am thrilled to share the remarkable news coming from Queensland, Australia. One of the key players in the realm of solar companies, Nextracker, is harnessing the power of locally produced steel to continue its relentless pursuit of solar power generation. By doing so, they’re not only shrinking the gap in supply chains but also creating jobs and minimizing carbon emissions.
Nextracker, as part of their global approach to bolster solar energy development, is using locally sourced steel for an impressive 480 MW Aldoga Solar Farm project. They’re embracing the ‘local’ in every phase of this project, as they’ll be using torque tubes made by Bluescop Steel – a home-grown metal power in Brisbane.
The global solar company made the official announcement recently at an event that was attended by local government officials, representatives from the steel industry, and the management of Nextracker. Plus, they underlined the collaborative nature of this project, partnering with Orrcon Steel, Baojia, and Bluescope.
Now, you might be asking: “What does this mean for me?” Well, if you are considering solar panels for your home, this partnership has promising implications. By focusing on local resources, Nextracker is not only promoting sustainable job growth but also demonstrating their commitment to local economies. This local emphasis is part of a broader trend among solar companies towards sustainability and carbon footprint reduction—a clear win if you’re considering a solar array for home use.
This initiative is about more than just one project. It will trigger the launch of a new steel manufacturing line, boasting the capacity to produce 50,000 tons of torque tubes annually, translating into an impressive PV capacity of 2.5 GW.
Peter Wheale, Nextracker’s GM for Australia, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand, stressed that this foundation will amplify their commitment to building energy security for Australians, fostering new manufacturing jobs, and making clean energy more affordable and accessible.
Nextracker’s move inspired its rival Array Technologies to announce a similar venture in Australia earlier this year. Other projects backed by Nextracker include the New England Solar Farm (521 MWd), Stubbo Solar Farm (520 MWd), and Western Downs (460 MWd).
The drive for a more eco-friendly, economically viable, and local approach to harnessing solar energy reaffirms why a solar array for home is a smart, forward-thinking choice. Solar energy is thriving, and these powerful alliances among solar companies are only going to accelerate its growth.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/03/18/nextracker-to-use-local-steel-in-480-mw-queensland-project/
