Nextracker has unveiled its NX Earth Truss foundation solution in Australia, supported by a grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to advance large-scale solar development on challenging terrain.

Engineered for hard and rocky soil conditions, the NX Earth Truss aims to cut costs and construction complexity for utility-scale solar projects.

With support from ARENA and in collaboration with Australian developers, EPCs and installation partners, Nextracker’s new system expands solar siting potential by making previously unsuitable land viable for development.

“ARENA is committed to supporting technologies that expand Australia’s renewable energy options,” ARENA chief executive Darren Miller says.

“By making previously unusable land viable for solar development, Nextracker’s innovative Earth Truss technology can help fast-track project delivery and broaden opportunities for investors and communities alike.”

At the center of the system is Nextracker’s NX Truss Driver, a semi-autonomous drilling machine that installs Earth Truss foundations in a single pass using GNSS precision controls and drill-and-drive technology.

The process reduces labour hours, eliminates rework and helps de-risk project delivery which is key to accelerating Australia’s renewable energy rollout.

“We greatly appreciate ARENA’s leadership and support in driving next-generation renewable energy solutions like Nextracker’s Earth Truss here in Australia,” Nextracker Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia vice president and general manager Peter Wheale says.

“By unlocking new categories of land, we’re giving developers and EPCs greater flexibility and reduced project risk while helping Australia accelerate its clean energy transition.”

Australia is the first market outside North America to deploy the NX Earth Truss system, following Nextracker’s launch of its global foundation solutions portfolio in 2024.