Energy
Yarranlea Solar Farm
Project Overview
Location
Yarranlea, QLD
TYPE
Solar
Key Deliverables
134MW Solar Farm
SECTOR
Energy
Scope of Work
Situated approximately 50 km west of Toowoomba in Queensland’s Darling Downs region, the Yarranlea Solar Farm spans 250 hectares and boasts a generation capacity of up to 103 MW AC. This capacity is sufficient to power approximately 32,000 homes, contributing significantly to the region’s renewable energy supply . The farm connects to the power grid via the existing Ergon Energy infrastructure, facilitating the transmission of power into Toowoomba through the Middle Ridge Bulk Supply Substation . Equipped with 372,833 solar PV modules mounted on single-axis tracking arrays, the facility has an expected operational life of 30 years .
Monford Group was responsible for delivering all civil, mechanical, and electrical works for the Yarranlea Solar Farm. Our scope included the detailed redesign of road build-up to optimise site access and durability. We managed the procurement of all miscellaneous materials, excluding major components such as trackers, cables, and panels. Our construction responsibilities encompassed the entire solar farm, up to and including the connection into the substation. We also conducted the cold commissioning of the entire solar farm, ensuring all systems were operational and met the required standards. The project was completed safely, within budget, and ahead of schedule .
Innovations and Challenges Overcome
At Yarranlea Solar Farm, we implemented several innovations to enhance both efficiency and safety during construction. One key decision was purchasing a trenching machine instead of using an excavator for trenching excavation. This equipment choice allowed us to complete trench installation much faster, reducing the overall project timeline. Additionally, we invested in a new slinger to manage the bedding and surrounding of cables, further boosting productivity. The use of the slinger also reduced the need for personnel in the trenches, which significantly improved safety by limiting worker exposure to potential hazards. These innovations helped streamline the construction process, reduced the need for manual labour, and created a safer work environment, enabling us to deliver the project more efficiently.
The Yarranlea Solar Farm project faced a significant challenge with a live public road running through the centre of the construction site. To address this, we took immediate action to segregate public and construction traffic and ensure safety. We erected secure fencing around the construction zones from the outset, effectively separating the public from the work areas. Additionally, we implemented a one-way traffic management system to direct construction vehicles safely through each section of the site. With security personnel stationed at all entrance and exit points, we were able to monitor traffic flow and ensure the safe movement of vehicles. These measures successfully minimised the risk of accidents and kept the project on track, ensuring both public safety and a smooth, uninterrupted construction process.
Delivery Highlights
