Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has emerged as a white knight investor in a troubled solar farm in Western Australia's Wheatbelt, saving the $130 million project from near-certain failure.

Key points: It is believed Andrew Forrest has given in-principle agreement to invest in a struggling solar farm project in WA's Wheatbelt

It is believed Andrew Forrest has given in-principle agreement to invest in a struggling solar farm project in WA's Wheatbelt Mr Forrest's final commitment depends on whether the solar farm can access the electricity network

Mr Forrest's final commitment depends on whether the solar farm can access the electricity network It's expected 180 jobs will be created in the construction phase, which is expected to begin in March 2020

Sydney-based company Sun Brilliance wants to build a 100-megawatt solar project at Cunderdin, about two hours east of Perth, but has been plagued by financing problems and difficulties connecting to the grid since first being proposed in 2016.

It is understood Mr Forrest has given in-principle agreement to buying into the project through Squadron Energy, an arm of his private investment vehicle Minderoo.

Minderoo has declined to comment.

Although the terms of the deal are being kept confidential, it is believed Mr Forrest's final commitment depends on whether the solar farm can secure access to the electricity network.

Sun Brilliance chairman Ray Wills would not be drawn on the backer's identity, nor the price agreed to be paid but said an offtake deal between the project and a major energy user was crucial to gaining their support.

The offtake agreement is believed to run for 10 years and involve aluminium giant Alcoa, which has significant mining and mineral processing operations in the south west of the state and is one of WA's biggest electricity consumers.

Andrew Forrest has come to the aid of a troubled solar farm in WA. ( ABC News: Robert Koenig-Luck )

On the hunt for partners

While refusing to name the project's anointed buyer, Professor Wills confirmed Sun Brilliance had recently been seeking extra support from investors to ensure it could be delivered.

"Certainly, we've been involved in very positive discussions over the last two months," Professor Wills said.

"I can't comment on who we're having those discussions with at this time, but we're certainly very happy with the calibre of the investor we're talking to.

"We've been looking for partners to support us to ensure that we can guarantee the success of the project … and it's been great to find that support."

Professor Wills acknowledged the Cunderdin project had been hit by delays and disruptions, some of which were caused by the failure last year of leading solar farm construction firm RCR Tomlinson.

It is understood Mr Forrest has given in-principle agreement to buying a $130 million solar farm in Cunderdin, in Western Australia's Wheatbelt. ( Wikimedia Commons )

He said that, although RCR was not involved at Cunderdin, the company's implosion sent shock waves through the renewable energy industry.

"There's no doubt that right now business conditions are difficult and we're not exempt from that," Professor Wills said.

"The problems with RCR Tomlinson have been all-pervasive throughout the industry, not only in Western Australia but across Australia.

"It has certainly made getting projects quoted on the ground much more difficult.

"But we've weathered that storm.

"We certainly went through it, it was a problem earlier in the year, but we've progressed past that point now."

Targets to be met

Despite acknowledging the project's rocky road, Professor Wills said he could not comment on speculation they centred on difficulties connecting to the grid because of "commercial" discussions.

He downplayed the effect those delays would have on the project's viability, saying that even though the Federal Government's renewable energy target will expire next year there would still be a market for large-scale renewable energy certificates (LGCs).

Sun Brilliance chairman Ray Wills confirmed the company was in talks with potential buyers for the Cunderdin project. ( ABC News: Rhiannon Shine )

"The renewable energy target extends to the end of 2020 and that is when the target is set," he said.

"But that doesn't impact on the generation of certificates for renewable energy.

"LGCs will still be relevant up until 2030.

"The only thing we're not sure about is what the price will be."

Mr Forrest's interest in the Cunderdin solar farm is his latest foray into the renewable energy industry after being linked, alongside tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, to an ambitious bid to export solar power from Australia to Singapore.

Professor Wills said construction of the solar farm was expected to start in March next year subject to grid connection approval, with first production to follow by the end of the year.

He said up to 180 jobs would be created during the project's construction phase, although only a small number of workers would be required to operate the plant.