The Delga Solar Farm has now been approved by Western Downs Regional Council in Queensland. Source: Flickr/Shell.

Oil major Shell is assessing the viability of a 250MW solar PV plant in Australia.

The Delga Solar Farm has now been approved by Western Downs Regional Council in Queensland with a final investment decision resting with Shell.

The 400 hectare plant would employ 500-800 people during construction and 10 full-time staff once operational.

“We’ve fully embraced the future of renewables and energy production in our region, and we welcome the proposal of Shell Australia onto the solar energy scene in the Western Downs,” said Mayor Paul McVeigh.

“This interest from a leading multi-national energy company to invest in renewable energy in our region is a great boost to the Western Downs’ already impressive energy portfolio. This project marks the eighth solar farm approved by Council, demonstrating our goal to become the Energy Capital of Australia.”

The council recently approved a 1GW project to be funded by Singapore-based investor Equis.

Shell has previously explored the area as a potential location for a carbon capture and storage facility.