Batchelor and Manton Dam Solar Farms Feasibility Assessment
Resources & Energy
- A large component of costs for sites of this nature is by way of site preparation and earthworks. Solar farms will typically require certain maximum grades across the site to maintain optimum performance of power output, accessibility and maintenance. Thorough review of existing site conditions was undertaken to provide assistance with optimisation of the site layout, including development of site grades, stormwater management, access requirements and the like.
- Earthworks and clearing requirements for large remote sites of this nature often are key factors into overall feasibility of projects. Concept design was completed to minimise major earthworks as far as possible whilst balancing any cut to fill operations.
- The sites were presented with some challenging Geotechnical conditions and natural environments, which included soft soils in parts, along with high rainfall and temperatures associated with the topics in this region. These needed to be thoroughly considered with respect to any earthworks, stormwater and flood management, foundations for solar arrays and ancillary structures, site laydown and pavement construction.
The Northern Territory government intends to implement solar and other renewable energy projects to increase renewable energy penetration into the electrical distribution network in order to move closer towards renewable energy targets of 50% by 2030.
A significant step in achieving these targets is the development of two 10MW solar farm in the region near the town of Batchelor, approximately 100km south of Darwin. The project is expected to be able to power approximately 5,000 homes and provide supply to some remote communities.
Pritchard Francis was engaged by GCo Electrical, who would act as the head Contractor on behalf of State-owned Jacana Energy and NT Solar investments to carry out preliminary civil concept design and feasibility, along with estimation of development costs in order to assist the client in submitting a competitive tender for the development of this site.