The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Sundrop Farms have announced in‐principle agreement for CEFC to co‐finance a major greenhouse development near Port Augusta, South Australia which will use solar‐thermal technology to desalinate seawater to provide irrigation, and to heat and cool the greenhouses.
Sundrop Farms is building a 20 hectare greenhouse facility which will produce over 15,000 tonnes of tomatoes a year for metropolitan markets across Australia.
This world leading application of solar technology is particularly suitable for sustainable horticulture in arid regions. CEFC financing would be for approximately one quarter of the project cost, with remaining financing currently being finalised.