A site has been proposed for the creation of the largest thermal solar power demonstration model in Australia.

The New South Wales town of Forbes has been named as the lucky spot, the local Jemalong Station is set to be the inaugural site for new solar technologies in the country. Dozens of jobs will be created during construction of the project; it is the first phase of an entire solar power generating facility to be built in the coming years.

Vast Solar CEO, Andrew Want, says the project will use locally developed salt-battery technology which allows solar energy to be retained and used at a later time.

Mr Want says it is a common system overseas, but one that is yet to have its day in Australia. The technology involves a series of mirrors arranged around a tower topped with a giant brick of salt, which is heated to incredible temperatures and is able to retain its heats for long periods

Optimistic reports say the plant could be operating by March next year, but it is still subject to approvals from the Forbes Shire Council.

Mr Want said “it's important to note that we really are working with the community, we really want to get community input, we think consultation with the community is going to be very important to the way this type of project rolls out not just in the Central West but in other regions of Australia too."

IMAGE SOURCE: Abengoa Solar S.A © 2015, All rights reserved