DLA Piper has advised Green Light Contractors Pty Ltd on a new AU$164 million solar farm project in Moree in northern New South Wales. Green Light is a wholly owned subsidiary of Elecnor Australia, itself a subsidiary of Elecnor SA, a large Spanish-owned renewable energy group operating in 56 countries around the world.

Green Light is the appointed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the project, as well as handling ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) for the solar farm.

The 70 megawatt (MWp) solar farm project represents a significant development for the Australian renewables industry. One of the project’s main aims is to demonstrate that large-scale solar power plants can be constructed and operated within Australia’s major electricity grids.

Construction of the facility will take place over 2014-15 and, once complete, it will produce enough clean energy to supply around 15,000 homes.

This is Elecnor's first project in Australia and establishes the Elecnor Group as a major player in the Australian renewables and engineering sectors. DLA Piper have also assisted Elecnor and Green Light to establish their businesses in Australia. The firm was involved in negotiating all the contractual arrangements with the proponent, leading global solar development company FRV, including the EPC and O&M contracts.

Jane Hider, DLA Piper Finance & Projects partner said "We are delighted to have been able to assist Green Light Contractors on its entry into the Australian market and its involvement in this exciting project."

Jane Hider led the DLA Piper team with assistance from Finance & Projects partner Bill Glover, Tax partner James Newnham and Finance & Projects special counsel Emma Bloomer.