The announcement by global green energy investor, Canada’s Amp Energy, to take over the development of three important solar projects from renewable energy consultant EPS is welcomed by Member for Frome Geoff Brock.

“The projects will present tremendous opportunities for the Spencer Gulf to become the renewable capital of Australia and will contribute to South Australia’s ambition to achieve 100% renewable electricity by the end of the decade ,” Mr Brock said.

The work will become part of an estimated $2 billion plan to create a zero emissions hydrogen production hub and is anticipated to create up to 550 full time jobs while under construction.

Mr Brock said the projects, based at Robertstown, north of Eudunda, Bungama, between Warnertown and Port Pirie and Yoorndoo Ilga at Cultana, north of Whyalla, will become part of the important movement towards creating a better mix of renewables for all Australia.

The three projects will total more than 1,300MW of solar capacity with up to 540MW of big battery capacity and will feed a new green hydrogen hub at Port Spencer on the Eyre Peninsula.

“With the land acquired and development approvals already under way, I believe the work will begin later this year or in early 2020,” Mr Brock said.

“The projects, together with the transformation of Nyrstar and the recent announcement that steel magnate Sanjeep Gupta has secured financial support to allow the continued operation of the Whyalla steelworks, saving almost 2,000 jobs, are positive indicators of the growth potential of the Upper Spencer Gulf.

“The opportunities in this region are limitless, and I look forward to watching the further growth and prosperity of businesses and opportunities for increased employment and wealth in this under-estimated part of our State,” Mr Brock said.