Tindo Solar Secures 30MW Supply Agreement for Australia’s First Net Zero Pipeline Project

Tindo Solar Secures 30MW Solar Module Supply Deal for Australia’s First ‘Net Zero Pipeline’
====================================================================================

Tindo Solar, an Australian solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturer, has signed a significant agreement to supply 30MW of solar modules to Bowen Pipeline Company. This collaboration will support Australia’s first “net zero pipeline,” aimed at enhancing the sustainability of water transportation in North Queensland.

The supply agreement, set to deliver Australian-made solar modules between 2026 and 2027, is a critical component of the Bowen Pipeline Project. Tindo Solar will provide a total of 52,174 of its 575W ‘Walara’ utility solar PV modules, which will power pumps and other essential machinery for this major infrastructure initiative.

Supporting Local Infrastructure and Employment

Richard Petterson, CEO of Tindo Solar, expressed his excitement about being involved in a project that not only boosts domestic agriculture but also fosters regional growth and job creation in Australia. “We have long argued that cheap imports come with hidden costs, such as carbon emissions from transportation and lost job opportunities in Australia,” Petterson stated. He noted that Bowen Pipeline Company is committed to sourcing materials locally, including Tindo’s solar panels, for the project.

The Bowen Pipeline Project is designed to transport water from the Burdekin River near Home Hill to Bowen via an underground pipeline that spans 182 kilometers, with 116 kilometers as the main line and additional branches extending 66 kilometers. This solar-powered pipeline is set to run alongside the Bruce Highway, primarily on private land and unformed road reserves, providing vital water supplies to the towns of Bowen, Gumlu, and Guthalungra.

According to the project’s official website, the pipeline aims to supply between 80,000 to 100,000 megalitres of water annually, addressing water scarcity issues in the Bowen Region, which enjoys approximately 300 sunny days each year. The initiative also supports the Bowen Green Hydrogen Project, which aspires to be Australia’s first domestic-focused green hydrogen production facility with a capacity of 212 million tonnes per annum by 2030, potentially increasing to 530 million tonnes by 2050. Additionally, the pipeline will benefit other key sectors, including horticulture and agriculture.

Final approvals for the Bowen Water Pipeline are expected before the end of the year, with construction slated to begin in 2026.

Expanding Market Presence

Earlier this month, Tindo Solar reached another milestone by securing a five-year export agreement with Thanh Do Australia, totaling 15MW of solar modules for Vietnam. This deal, valued at AU$8.4 million (US$5.47 million), demonstrates that Australian-made solar PV products can effectively compete in international markets.

Founded in 2011, Tindo Solar has positioned itself as one of Australia’s leading domestic solar module manufacturers. The company launched its first solar manufacturing facility in Adelaide, South Australia, in 2021, with aspirations for further expansion.

Future Plans for Australian Solar Manufacturing

Following the establishment of its Adelaide facility, Tindo Solar has announced plans to develop Australia’s first gigafactory dedicated to solar PV manufacturing. This ambitious project could require an investment of approximately AU$100 million, generate 250 jobs, and produce 7,000 solar modules daily. While the specific location for the gigafactory is yet to be confirmed, Tindo Solar is exploring potential sites in regional New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.