A Queensland cattle farmer is expressing concern about the construction of one of Australia’s largest solar farms near his property due to environmental and economic reasons. Danish company European Energy plans to build four renewable energy sites covering 6,000 hectares near the Gladstone export hub as part of their Pacific Solar Hydrogen Project. The project aims to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually and generate enough power for 1.5 million homes. However, Greg Bennett, a farmer in the Gladstone Region, believes that the project is negatively impacting him and his neighbors.
Bennett argues that the solar project could cause him to lose up to 30 percent of the equity in his property, and he believes that he won’t be compensated for it. He also raises concerns about the environmental impact of land clearing for the two million solar panels that will be built near the Great Barrier Reef. Bennett questions why he should suffer without compensation and why the environment should suffer in the pursuit of renewables. His specific concern lies with the 2,700-hectare solar farm planned near his property, which is the initial phase of the larger 6,000-hectare project.
European Energy’s acquisition of Austrom Hydrogen last year paved the way for one of the largest net zero projects in history. The company believes that the project is feasible and realistic, with plans to complete it by 2026. The Gladstone regional council has expressed support for a transition to a net zero economy and has proposed the establishment of a “Dedicated Transition Fund” to mitigate the impacts of this transition. They also aim to ensure that communities are represented in the National Transition Authority to maximize the benefits of green technology while minimizing negative effects.
Bennett highlights the need for approval from the regional council for the solar project to proceed. The Epoch Times has reached out to council members for information on approvals and the potential impacts on landowners. European Energy’s Country Manager in Australia, Catriona Mcleod, believes that green hydrogen and e-fuels are the logical next step for the country, and the company is committed to accelerating the realization of these projects.