The Australian government selected a consortium made up of Areva Solar, CS Energy and Wind Prospect CWP for funding for a planned 250 MW solar thermal and natural gas-fired hybrid power plant in Australia. The deal is subject to approval, financial arrangements and contracts by the end of 2011.
The Australian Commonwealth and Queensland Governments would contribute A$464 million (US$491mn) and A$75 million (US$79.3mn), respectively, to the project. The funding is part of the government's Solar Flagships Program, which aims to provide foundation for large-scale, grid-connected solar power.
The consortium's entry, called Solar Dawn, will be located near CS Energy's recently announced 44 MW Kogan Creek Solar Boost Project. Kogan Creek Solar Boost will also use Areva Solar's compact linear fresnel reflector (CLFR) solar thermal technology combined with a gas boiler back up system.
