The federal government has been forced to re-open a multi-million tender process for solar projects amid concerns the first applicant risks taxpayer funding.
It has also thrown a lifeline to another consortium by extending the deadline for it to develop the Solar Dawn project in Queensland after it failed secure finance by December 15.
Energy Minister Martin Ferguson says the government will seek updated applications from four short-listed round one Solar Flagship photovoltaic applicants.
The preferred round one consortium behind the Moree Solar Farm had proposed major changes to its project and failed to meet a December deadline to secure financial backing.
BP Solar, Pacific Hydro and Fotowatio Renewable Ventures were behind the project which proposed to design, develop, construct and operate a 150MW solar PV power plant in the NSW Tablelands.
As a result the government will reopen the tender process before it awards the $306.5 million grant as part of the Solar Flagships program.
