Expansion of Sundrop Farms Seawater Horticulture Project Approved by Port Augusta Council

Port Augusta in South Australia (Wikipedia)

by ABC News: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-13/sundrop-farms-wins-backing-expanded-seawater-horticulture/5667074

A horticultural project that uses seawater to grow vegetables, Sundrop Farms, is set for expansion with the backing of South Australia's Port Augusta Council.

Sundrop Farms uses solar-thermal energy to desalinate water from Spencer Gulf to grow food in greenhouses about 20 kilometres south of Port Augusta.

The company was planning to build eight more greenhouses and supporting infrastructure across a 20-hectare site.

The expansion would include a solar-thermal station with a 115-metre tower and 11,000 stands with mirrors to power the operation.

There would be several seawater pipelines and a visitor centre to help promote tourism interest in the venture. 

The ABC Catalyst program checked out the Sundrop growing venture in its arid landscape.

Port Augusta Council's development assessment panel approved the expansion if environmental conditions were met for the management of brine extracted from the water.

The planned solar-thermal generator for the horticulture project would be smaller than one proposed for an upgrade of Port Augusta's currently coal-fired power stations nearby.