Construction of the 250 MW Solar Dawn project was originally expected to start next year. However, that was before the Queensland government axe an anticipated $75 million in funding.
About 300 new jobs were expected to be created as a result of the project, along with indirect support for as many as 100 jobs.
In a statement posted on its Web site, the consortium said despite throwing in the towel on the high-profile project, it "remains committed to Australia's large-scale concentrated solar power industry (CSP)."
"The announcement follows extensive discussions with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) on options to move the project forward in response to dynamic market conditions," said Consortium spokesperson Anthony Wiseman. "With ARENA soon to embark on a range of new initiatives, we look forward to sharing our experience and working with ARENA to help build Australia's clean energy future."
The project, led by Areva Sola, was part of the Australian Solar Flagship Program. Earlier this years government ministers in Queensland said they had become disenchanted with the project after its backers failed to meet a 30 June deadline to reach financial close.
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