Project Update Week ending 21 August 2020

AGL’s big battery 14 August The State Government has welcomed AGL’s announcement that it is planning to build a big battery at Torrens Island.

"AGL’s announcement is a vote of confidence “Another big battery will help address the in the ongoing transformation of South legacy of power security issues that we Australia’s energy system to one of lower- inherited from Labor. We welcome AGL’s vote cost, lower-emission electricity,” said Minister of confidence in .” for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan. Source: SA Government

“Power generation at Torrens Island, including AGL’s brand new fast start generator, plays a PROJECT NEWS significant role in South Australia and this announcement by AGL is a welcome show of Wambo confidence in the State Government’s energy We are delighted to announce the acquisition solution. of the Wambo Wind Farm development project in the Western Downs region of “As Torrens Island’s older generators retire Queensland, Australia, from Renewable over coming years, this battery would help Energy Partners (REP). The project, which we meet peak demand and help fill in the gaps will be co-developing with REP, is expected to between wind and solar generation. be between 200 and 500 MW when completed. “Due to Torrens Island’s location the battery storage will help ensure the ongoing stability When operational, the Wambo Wind Farm of South Australia’s power system. should produce enough clean energy to power approximately 170,500 houses and “This would make use of the significant prevent more than 1.1 million tonnes of infrastructure at Torrens Island and utilise it carbon dioxide emissions each year. for battery storage. David Smith, our Head of Australia, said: “This investment would be the first big “We’re pleased to be working with REP on this battery in the Adelaide region and take South project. We’re also excited about the prospect Australia to five big batteries and will help of being a positive contributor to the Western achieve our goal of net-100% renewable Downs area and are keen to establish a strong energy. relationship with the local community.”

Source: Cubico Sustainable Investments

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NSW to lead the charge on big The Emerging Energy Program is a key election commitment of the NSW batteries Government to improve the security and 15 August reliability of the electricity system. The capital NSW is set to lead the nation on big batteries projects stream announced today provides and cutting-edge, on-demand electricity funding to assist with the construction of technologies with $37.5 million announced dispatchable electricity projects in NSW. today under the Emerging Energy Program. For more information visit: Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW https://energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/clean- Government is supporting two big batteries, a energy-initiatives/emerging-energy-program virtual power plant and a gas/battery hybrid to connect to the grid, helping to modernise Source: NSW Government and secure the State’s electricity system.

“These projects have the potential to add 170 NEW PROJECT megawatts of on-demand electricity supply to our grid, as well as support 260 jobs and Yara Renewable Hydrogen attract $233 million in private investment into Plant the regions that host them,” Mr Kean said. Location: Burrup Peninsular, Pilbara region, WA “They’ll also provide enough dispatchable Capacity: Approximately 18 MW solar farm energy to power more than 250,000 homes Developer: Yara Pilbara Fertilisers and ENGIE for an hour, equivalent to 14 per cent of Status: Referral submitted to federal Sydney’s population.” government for public comment. Description: The proposal, including Electricity grids across the world are seeing an associated infrastructure, will be located influx of low-cost wind and solar generation, adjacent to the existing YPF Plant within the helping to improve competition and drive Burrup Peninsula Strategic Industrial Area and down energy prices. will provide a feed source to produce green ammonia. The construction of a Renewable technologies like pumped Hydrogen Plant and associated infrastructure hydro and big batteries release extra includes: a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm; electricity when we need it and store electrolyser and its balance of plant; and electricity when we don’t – making sure the supporting infrastructure including site tracks. grid is kept secure. It will be the commercial demonstration of a longer term, larger scale renewable hydrogen The Emerging Energy Program received project. The PV farm will have a production overwhelming private sector interest in capacity of 18 MW peak to facilitate the developing battery projects, with two in three production of approximately 640 tonnes of proposals involving the technology. renewable hydrogen per annum. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2021 and “NSW has a strong pipeline of dispatchable continue until June 2023. projects including eighteen (18) batteries Contact: Brian Howarth approved in our planning system. This clearly Manager – Capital Projects shows NSW is the go to state for energy Yara Pilbara Fertilisers investors in Australia,” Mr Kean said. Email: [email protected]

“Our modern grid will be made up of a whole range of tech – from massive pumped hydro projects like Snowy 2.0 right through to local rooftop solar and battery systems.”

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$22 million investment to Denham, using a new solar power system to produce hydrogen from water. accelerate renewable hydrogen future The demonstrator microgrid will test the 17 August technology and feasibility of implementing - Nine initiatives worth $22 million to fuel microgrids incorporating hydrogen in regional WA's renewable hydrogen industry and create areas across the State. jobs as part of WA Recovery Plan - WA's renewable hydrogen targets brought The State Government is committed to forward from 2040 to 2030 supporting the Denham project, subject to - $5.7 million towards constructing ARENA's final consideration. demonstrator renewable hydrogen microgrid to power Denham Another $2 million has been allocated to FMG - $2 million to support FMG H2's $32 million H2's renewable hydrogen mobility project in renewable hydrogen mobility project in the Pilbara, which will produce solar hydrogen Pilbara for transport at Fortescue's Christmas Creek - $1 million allocated to ATCO's $2.5 million iron ore mine, advancing vital decarbonisation hydrogen refuelling station in Jandakot technologies. - $13.3 million for initiatives to accelerate hydrogen industry development Fortescue plans to purchase 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to replace its diesel bus The McGowan Government will bring forward fleet, and the lessons learnt from this project the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen will support their plans to reduce reliance on Strategy targets by a decade and invest $22 imported diesel across a range of transport million to develop hydrogen supply, meet forms. growing demand for the clean fuel and create jobs. Another $1 million will be allocated by the McGowan Government towards ATCO's Part of the WA Recovery Plan, the accelerated hydrogen refueller project in Jandakot that targets and nine studies and projects will will develop, deploy and operate the first boost the State's renewable hydrogen green hydrogen refuelling station in WA. industry and position WA as a major producer, user and exporter of renewable The station will integrate with ATCO's existing hydrogen. Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Jandakot, and service ATCO's fleet of fuel cell electric cars The McGowan Government's investment, and approved vehicles of other organisations. increased business interest and pace of technology development means the goals of The Jandakot H2-Fuel project is a key enabler the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen to driving down the costs of refuelling Strategy are being bought forward from 2040 infrastructure, and an opportunity to build the to 2030. local skills and labour force required to support the industry. The strategy aims to boost the State's hydrogen industry across four areas - export, Over time, the hydrogen refueller project use in remotely located industries, blending in could be expanded to target over 1,000 fuel natural gas networks, and use in fuel cell cell electric vehicles in metropolitan Perth. electric transport vehicles. An additional $5 million in funding will be The McGowan Government has committed allocated to the State Government's existing $5.7 million to an Australia-first renewable $10 million Renewable Hydrogen Fund for energy microgrid in the Gascoyne town of grants to support industry development.

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Other initiatives in the WA Recovery Plan to Peter Gibson, MacIntyre’s newly appointed boost the hydrogen industry include: Project Manager, brings invaluable project - $3 million for a regulatory reform package to experience in regional Australia. He most undertake and support a local hydrogen recently served as Senior Project Manager on industry; the , which is also - $2.7 million to expand the Renewable located in QLD. Hydrogen Unit in the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Praveen Viyayakumar will join the team as Senior - $1 million towards identifying locations Project Engineer. Mr Viyayakumar has a suitable for hydrogen storage; background in renewable energy projects and - $1 million towards developing a detailed over 13 years’ experience in a variety of technical supply chain model that promotes hydrogen areas including wind and farm engineering, and identifies bottlenecks and limitations construction and project management. affecting the hydrogen export industry; and - $600,000 to study blending hydrogen in the ACCIONA’s David Bratby, who has been working WA gas network and related technical, on the MacIntyre project for some time now, economic and regulatory implications. has been promoted to Deputy Project Director. Mr Bratby brings extensive experience in Source: WA Government contracts and commercial management with a range of projects within industrial and power generation companies.

MacIntyre Wind Farm appoints Brett Wickham, Managing Director of ACCIONA’s Australian Energy Division, said it key project leaders was important to have an experienced team on 17 August board as the MacIntyre Wind Farm transitions ACCIONA is pleased to announce the to the delivery phase of the project. appointments of four senior team members on the MacIntyre Wind Farm project. “Lars, Peter, Praveen and David will form a formidable team, with each of them having The newly appointed leadership team will impressive track records on similar projects draw upon their extensive experience in the here in Australia and overseas,” he said. energy and infrastructure sectors to deliver a world-class project, drive local industry “We are confident they’ll deliver great participation and keep the community outcomes for the project and, importantly, updated regarding project developments. provide a regular point of contact for the local community.” New Project Director Lars Hansen brings both domestic and international experience across The MacIntyre Wind Farm is expected to the engineering and construction industries – generate 400 local jobs and significant with a focus on wind energy. economic activity across the Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and Toowoomba Regional Mr Hansen is an accomplished and driven Council areas. leader with a track record of building relationships with stakeholders and driving A community information centre will be innovation. Mr Hansen shares his extensive established in Warwick later in the year to knowledge and experience with industry provide the opportunity for locals to find out peers at industry events such as the Australian more information about the project. Clean Energy Summit and EU Climate Diplomacy Day. Source: ACCIONA

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Solar installation set to begin commercial Aleppo pine plantation within the reservoir reserve. at Happy Valley Reservoir 17 August “This is a fantastic result which still enables SA Works to install around 30,000 solar panels at Water to achieve its energy management Happy Valley Reservoir as part of SA Water’s target as well as preserve and enhance the Zero Cost Energy Future project start today – surrounding natural environment.” creating nearly 50 jobs during construction. Member for Davenport Steve Murray said the Happy Valley is one of 33 SA Water sites local community played a key role in the final across the state where 500,000 solar panels design of the solar panel project. will be installed to produce a total of 242 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. “Happy Valley Reservoir will become a popular visitor destination in the coming years The ground-mounted solar panels will be and it is important we maintain the natural installed at the northern section of Happy appearance,” said Mr Murray. Valley Reservoir Reserve, at the corner of Black and South Road. “The native vegetation recently planted within the reservoir reserve along South Road Minister for Environment and Water David – and the 20 metre width of native grass, Speirs said early site preparation, including shrub seeds and tubestocks which will be the planting of native vegetation along South planted during spring/summer along Black Road, was recently completed, with the works Road – will to help screen the solar panels, as to install the solar panels starting today. well as provide wind protection and support local wildlife and ongoing biodiversity.” “The Zero Cost Energy Future project is an ambitious project for SA Water to use The site preparation works will also involve renewable energy to reduce its largest trenching to accommodate underground operational expense – electricity,” said electrical cabling and establishing internal Minister Speirs. access tracks. The installation of solar panels will follow, with additional electrical “In exciting news for southern suburb infrastructure and fence installation rounding communities Happy Valley is one of the out the project. reservoirs across South Australia which we will be opening up for recreational access such as All works are expected to take around six kayaking and fishing by the end of 2021. months to complete, with construction scheduled between 7am and 7pm from “The solar panel installation at Happy Valley Monday to Saturday. Reservoir is just one of 33 sites across the site which will be part of the Zero Cost Energy “Together with South Australian contractor Future project. Enerven, SA Water will minimise potential construction impacts,” said Minister Speirs. “SA Water made sure to engage with local residents throughout the design process who During the works, local residents may notice wanted to make sure the visual amenity of an increase in vehicles travelling to and from the area was maintained. the Happy Valley site via an entrance on Black Road. For the safety of commuters and “The solar array was reconfigured to fit in a construction crews, traffic management will smaller area and a 40-metre buffer of pine be in place. trees was retained between the panels and nearby Black Road, following ForestrySA’s Source: SA Government recent harvesting of 13 hectares of its

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Goldwind Australia awarded cost, large-scale renewables with new technologies such as gas-battery hybrids to do $10m grant funding for hybrid that.” dispatchable renewable Hybrid battery and gas plants can operate energy project under the NSW with greater flexibility and faster start-up Government’s Emerging speeds than conventional gas generation, as the integrated batteries eliminate the gap in Energy Program energy supply during engine startup. 18 August Goldwind Australia Pty Ltd has been awarded Dispatchable generation refers to sources of a $10 million grant for a hybrid dispatchable electricity that can quickly respond to changes renewable energy project under the NSW in demand and dispatched at the request of Government’s Emerging Energy Program. The market operators according to market needs. Emerging Energy Program supports the Australia’s energy market is in transition, with development of innovative large-scale a focus on emissions reduction through the electricity generation and storage projects replacement of existing baseload with a which enhance electricity system reliability combination of renewable and dispatchable and security in NSW. The program will help generation. Batteries, pumped hydro, and gas the NSW Government achieve its target of net generators are examples of dispatchable zero emissions by 2050. technologies which will be required to enable the ongoing uptake of renewables through Subject to approvals, Goldwind plans to firming during times of low wind and solar integrate six 12MW gas reciprocating engines radiation. combined with a 12 MW / 4 MWh battery into an existing renewable energy farm. A new Goldwind recognises that dispatchable pipeline is proposed to transport the gas. projects can lead to greater penetration of renewables and the transition to net zero The gas engine and battery storage project is emissions, whilst enhancing energy security. planned to have a total capacity of 84MW. The project may benefit from favourable gas prices which are currently at a four-year low John Titchen, Goldwind Australia’s Managing with AEMO predicting them to reduce further. Director said the proposed project would Goldwind is also exploring opportunities to become the first integrated gas, battery, and develop battery and pumped hydro projects renewable precinct in Australia. in the National Electricity Market.

“Goldwind Australia is very pleased to be Goldwind has also explored the use of dual awarded funding for the proposed hybrid fuel reciprocating engines, capable of dispatchable renewable energy project under operating on alternative fuel sources, the NSW Government’s Emerging Energy including biofuels, and will seek to include this program. The project is in response to the capability in the project. growing demand for low emission Goldwind is also exploring the possibility of dispatchable generation sources.” including hydrogen production and hydrogen fuel substitution in the project, with a view to Minister for Energy Matt Kean said firmed operating the plant on the lowest possible renewables are the most economic form of emissions basis. reliable generation and will drive the biggest change in our electricity system’s history. Source: Goldwind Australia

“We want NSW households and businesses to have some of the cheapest and cleanest electricity in the world and we’re firming low-

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Nexif Energy announces EPC In addition, Nexif Energy announced today that Snapper Point, its 154MW fast start and contractor for stage 2 of dispatchable power project has received Lincoln Gap Wind Farm & development approval and is scheduled to be operational from December 2021. The development approval for the Snapper Point project will utilize five gas Snapper Point Power Plant turbine generating units to be leased for 25 18 August years from the South Australian State Nexif Energy, the Australian and South East Government under an agreement executed in Asian power company backed by Denham August 2019 following a competitive tender Capital, today announced that it has process. Through the investment in appointed as EPC Contractor and dispatchable generation at Snapper Point, issued unconditional notice to proceed with Nexif Energy is aiming to offer firm baseload the expansion of the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm style contracts from renewable energy in South Australia. In addition, the company generated predominately from existing and has obtained development approval for the future stages of the Lincoln Gap project. 154 MW Snapper Point Power Plant also located in South Australia. Nexif Founder and Co-CEO, Matthew Bartley said the appointment of Vestas completes the This next phase of the wind farm, located just last step in the process to replace as outside of in South Australia, will service provider and EPC contractor for the add 86 MW of generating capacity to the Lincoln Gap wind farm: “We are extremely 126MW of Senvion wind turbines that are proud of our team that stepped in to oversee already fully operational at the site. When the completion of construction of Stage 1 and complete in late 2021, the Lincoln Gap Wind navigated the complex process of Energy Generation & Storage Project will incorporating equipment from two different comprise 59 turbines, (35 existing Senvion manufacturers within the same project to turbines and the 24 additional Vestas enable Stage 2 to proceed under new EPC turbines, all 3.6MW each), totaling 212 MW arrangements. Throughout this process we and a 10MWhr battery storage system from worked closely with our lenders, CEFC and Fluence. The combined project will have a Westbourne, who we thank for their total generating capacity to produce enough confidence in and support of the Project and energy to power 155,000 households in South the team at Nexif Energy.” Australia. It is also expected to offset approximately 680,000 tonnes of carbon Surender Singh, fellow Founder and Co-CEO of emissions annually. Nexif Energy added: “Today’s announcements are further important steps in Nexif Energy’s To finance construction of stage 2, debt growth plans following the achievement of finance for the project totaling A$160M has financial close of our 98 MW co-generation been maintained with an ongoing project in Thailand in April 2020 and the commitment from existing lenders Clean acquisition of the 47MW Song Giang hydro Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and cascade projects in operation and Westbourne Capital. This has secured construction in Vietnam in December 2019. employment for over 110 workers for an Nexif Energy now has 400MW in operation additional 15 months in South Australia. Nexif and construction and an additional 1000MW Energy and its financiers have a committed of controlled development pipeline of investment of over half a billion (A$500M), projects throughout South East Asia and making it amongst the largest investors in Australia that will fuel our continuing growth” South Australia. Denham Capital Managing Director Saurabh Anand commented: “Lincoln Gap is a seminal

Page 7 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) project for Nexif Energy and once combined continue our partnership and expand both the with the company’s upcoming Snapper Point Lincoln Gap Wind Farm and Australia’s project, will help provide firm power renewable energy footprint,” says Clive generation to South Australia. The growth of Turton, President of Vestas Asia Pacific. the company’s portfolio in the last 12 months across Thailand, Vietnam and now Australia to The Lincoln Gap extension demonstrates 400MW has been extremely impressive and is Vestas’ expertise across brands aligned with Denham Capital’s own target of through our ability to integrate the existing investing in more than 1000MW of renewable Senvion fleet with our turbines, and and dispatchable generation projects in Asia successfully export to the grid. and Australia by 2021.” “Our ability to connect Senvion and Vestas Source: Nexif Energy turbines of the same wind farm to the grid, is an Australian first. We’ve combined our grid expertise, wind generation solutions and comprehensive knowledge of Senvion technology to make the expansion of Lincoln Vestas secures 86 MW EPC Gap a reality”, says Peter Cowling, Head of deal with Nexif Energy to Vestas Australia and New Zealand. extend Lincoln Gap Wind “Nexif Energy is pleased to appoint Vestas as its EPC contractor and long-term maintenance Farm in Australia service provider for Stage 2 of our Lincoln Gap 18 August Wind Farm”, said Charles Rattray, Managing Vestas has signed an 86 MW contract with Director at Nexif Energy. “This completes the Nexif Energy for the second stage of the transition from Senvion, following its Lincoln Gap Wind Farm in South Australia. The insolvency, with construction of Stage 2 and EPC agreement will include the engineering, the operating, and maintenance and procurement and construction of 24 of performance of the entire windfarm in the Vestas’ V136-3.45 MW turbines delivered in hands of a leading industry services provider – 3.6 MW Power Optimised Mode. This will add Vestas. Nexif Energy is now well positioned to to the customer’s existing fleet of 126 MW of focus on the implementation on its further Senvion turbines which are being serviced by expansion plans for the wind farm and at Vestas. other sites within South Australia and Australia more broadly”. By replacing Senvion as the EPC contractor, the project is on course to successfully meet Delivery of the turbines will commence in the Nexif Energy’s long-term sustainable goals for first quarter of 2021, with commissioning to South Australia. Upon completion, Vestas will be scheduled in the third quarter of 2021. commence a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service Vestas currently provides over 50 percent of agreement for the new turbines. This is Australia’s wind generation. With its excellent designed to maximise energy production for wind resources and ideal access to the grid, the lifetime of the project. With an energy- the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm will annually based availability guarantee which covers provide over 800,000 MWh of clean energy to both the turbines and balance of plant assets, Australian energy consumers. Vestas will provide Nexif with long-term business case certainty. Source: Vestas

“Vestas shares Nexif Energy’s commitment for a sustainable future. Offering our world- leading energy solutions, we are pleased to

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Renewable energy investment jobs and regional development and ensure sufficient new generation is in place before stalls as risks mount old coal generators retire. 18 August New Clean Energy Council data reveals that The Australian Energy Market Operator the number of large-scale renewable energy (AEMO) has recognised the issues associated projects committed in the second quarter of with grid connection, and the Clean Energy 2020 was the lowest since 2017, with just Council is working closely with AEMO to three projects representing 410 MW of new improve the connection process, explore capacity reaching financial close. solutions and prioritise effort.

At $600 million, investment in financially “AEMO’s 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP) committed projects was at its lowest level has delivered a clear roadmap for since 2017. Investment in Q2 2020 was development of the energy system. To deliver therefore down significantly on the historical this, we need to address the current grid average, with a 46 per cent fall from the connection challenges in order to build previous quarter and 52 per cent lower than investor confidence for new clean energy the quarterly average for 2019. generation.

“This fall in investment reflects the growing “Australia has enormous opportunity to risks being placed on renewable energy leverage renewable energy as part of a developers across the country. A recent nation-building COVID-19 economic response, analysis by the Clean Energy Council revealed creating jobs and the infrastructure to support that the primary drivers for this fall in Australia’s future. This requires much needed investment relate to the challenges associated regulatory reform, sensible energy policy, with the grid connection process, rapid improvements to grid connection unpredictable government policy processes and investment in the transmission interventions and underinvestment in backbone and energy storage.” network capacity creating congestion and constraints. Source: Clean Energy Council

“The obstacles around grid connection are creating substantial challenges for renewable PROJECT NEWS energy developers, and in turn, spooking clean energy investors,” says Clean Energy MacIntyre Wind Farm Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton. ACCIONA Energy Australia submitted a referral for public comment to the federal “At the moment, projects are experiencing Department of Agriculture, Water & significant and often unanticipated delays Environment for its proposed MacIntyre Wind through the grid connection process, which is Farm. The proposal is for a project of up to having a big impact on the commercial terms 169 wind turbines with a capacity of of these projects and increasing risks for approximately 963 MW, together with investors. Network congestion and system- associated ancillary infrastructure including wide challenges are contributing to up to two substations and a potential battery unanticipated changes including to technical energy storage facility. The project is requirements, creating uncertainty about next proposed over 16 subject lots, with a total steps and timing of resolution for project area of approximately 31,846 ha and a developers. development footprint of approximately 2,789.1 ha. “This is weighing on confidence for new investment in the sector, at a time when we need more clean energy investment to boost

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Final tower section from Construction and commissioning work is continuing on with Keppel Price Engineering the more than 75% of the 149 wind turbines now last over-dimensional load installed. delivered to Stockyard Hill Source: Goldwind Australia Wind Farm 19 August The final over-dimensional load – a tower section from Keppel Price Engineering has Hundreds expected at national arrived at Stockyard Hill Wind Farm. summit on a clean, council-led Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Investment Delivery recovery Manager, Mr Justin Howes, said the milestone 19 August was significant and marked the end of all Today, more than 700 people are expected to over-dimensional component deliveries. join a major national summit to discuss how local governments and the community can “The final over-dimensional delivery was a drive a clean economic recovery. tower component from Keppel Price Engineering based in south-western Victoria State and local government representatives, who locally manufactured and delivered 140 as well as business and energy experts, will tower sections for Stockyard Hill Wind Farm.” join community members to discuss solutions to get Australians back to work and tackle “Over the past two years, the project team long-term challenges like climate change. has managed more than 1,600 over- dimensional wind turbine component The virtual summit, Re-energise Australia: A deliveries including 140 tower sections from Clean Jobs Summit, hosted by the Cities Power Keppel Price Engineering and 17 overseas Partnership, will look to define opportunities shipments. Each shipment consisted of more for local government to create thousands of than 50,000 cubic meters of cargo that was jobs and generate investment to local delivered safely to site,” said Mr Howes. regions.

Keppel Prince Engineering Executive Director, Australian Capital Territory former deputy Mr Steve Garner said he was pleased to chief minister, Simon Corbell said cities and partner with Goldwind in delivering one of the regions have enormous capacity to drive a largest wind farms in Australia. clean, locally-led economic recovery.

“This is a significant project for Victoria, and it “From energy to transport, local governments was pleasing to have our Victorian company have an abundance of opportunities to deliver support the project with local jobs and projects to prop up local businesses and industry expertise that in turn supports our decarbonise communities, while creating local local communities.” jobs,” said Mr Corbell.

“It was a proud moment to see the final tower “The ACT and Victorian reverse auction section for Stockyard Hill Wind Farm leave our programs to source renewable energy are engineering workshop that signalled the strong examples of this. These projects completion of over 85,000 labour hours required Australian-made content, which worked by more than 150 of our Victorian helped spur the expansion of traineeships and employees,” said Mr Garner. apprenticeships in manufacturing businesses, and has seen the old Ford auto factory in

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Geelong recommissioned as a wind turbine group. The project will not only create a new assembly facility. revenue stream for council, but will lower local energy prices, keep profits in the town “The Melbourne Renewable Energy Project and generate local jobs quickly. led by the City of Melbourne is another initiative that created new jobs in renewable “Australia has seen steep job losses energy and low cost, clean energy for throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but with businesses located in the Melbourne CBD.” a targeted strategy to support community- owned and community-driven renewable Holly Taylor, senior manager of Projects and energy, local governments can create Partnerships at Energy Efficiency Council, said thousands of jobs, tackle climate change and local councils could create jobs, stimulate secure a generation of prosperity.” local economies and unlock significant savings by implementing an energy efficiency For more information and to register, visit Re- strategy. energise Australia: A Clean Jobs Summit

“While energy efficiency isn’t as sexy as solar Source: Cities Power Partnership panels on roofs, or as obvious as wind turbines on rolling hills, it is a real jobs machine,” said Ms Taylor. Risen Energy’s Merredin Solar “Efficiency retrofits consistently top the charts in comprehensive analyses of energy-related Farm is exporting 100% stimulus options by organisations such as the capacity to the grid International Energy Agency and the 19 August International Monetary Fund. Risen Energy (Australia)’s 132 MWdc

Merredin Solar Farm is connected to the grid, “Orange City Council, for example, is going to generating 100% capacity straight into the save $170,000 in annual electricity costs, as Western Australian network. well as $34,000 in maintenance costs, just by upgrading its lighting to LED in all of its Merredin Solar Farm is West Australia’s buildings. They’ve also created local jobs in largest completed solar installation and has an the process.” expected output of 274GWh of electricity

annually, generating enough green energy to Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen power approximately 42,000 Western Haines, said regional Australia was hungry for Australian homes. a practical plan of action for a community-led transition. The Solar Farm is located on 460ha of former

farming and grazing country adjacent to the “In north east Victoria, communities are Western Power Merredin Terminal and will working in partnership with commercial connect to this facility at 220kV. developers and local councils to develop mini- grids, solar panels, hydro projects and Risen worked closely with network service community batteries. Together, they’re provider, Western Power and AEMO through growing access to cheap, clean, local power, the staged live commissioning process and the and securing the energy supply for bushfire- solar farm is now exporting 100% capacity prone towns,” said Dr Haines. output, compatible with Western Power’s grid

requirements. “Shepparton Council is developing a new solar farm that will power 10,000 local homes in “It has been a pleasure to work with Western collaboration with a local community energy Power and their smooth coordination with

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AEMO has enabled us to reach this milestone Merredin Solar Farm will require 2 full time of achieving a fully operational solar facility workers to operate and maintain the which will supply green power.” said Eric Lee, installation. General Manager of Risen Energy (Australia). The facility will have an operating life of 30 Fastest build of a large-scale solar facility and years, with the option for an extension. At the the importance of good stakeholder relations end of the facility’s useful operating life, all Merredin Solar Farm is one of the fastest above ground infrastructure will be removed, builds of a large-scale solar farm seen yet. and the land returned to its former agricultural use. Due to the close collaboration between WA’s Monford Group and Risen, mechanical Source: Risen Energy completion of the Merredin Solar Farm was achieved in just 3 months. PROJECT NEWS Risen’s large capacity to resource the project Goyder South Hybrid meant that they had all materials and resources on site at one given time, allowing it Renewable Energy Facility to be put together quickly and without delay. Neoen submitted a development application for the staged construction of the Goyder Ciaran Shannon, General Manager of Monford South Hybrid Renewable Energy Facility to the acknowledged the good working relations South Australian government. The main between both companies and added that development comprises: Monford “welcomes the opportunity to - a windfarm (up to 163 turbines to a deliver further landmark renewable energy maximum tip height of 240m) with a capacity projects and support Risen’s commendable of up to goal to deliver 2GW of clean energy to 1200MW Australia”. - a solar farm (across two sites) with a capacity of up to 600MW over 3000 hectares Mr Lee added that Risen’s EPCM team has - an energy storage facility with a capacity of continued this successful approach on future up to 900MW/1,800MWh (2 hours) projects with several tier 1 and tier 2 construction companies, signalling that Risen Associated works include electricity is on track towards achieving their 2GW goal. infrastructure (e.g. substations, access roads, underground cabling and overhead Merredin Solar Farm transmission lines), permanent operations As owners of the Merredin Solar Farm project, and maintenance compounds, and Risen Energy (Australia) progressed the meteorological masts. project from detailed engineering design, through construction, commissioning and The project area encompasses the ranges and operation. plains between the Barrier Highway and the Goyder Highway, over approximately 30,000 The 132 MWdc solar farm consists of 354,452 hectares and various land parcels, spanning a Risen Energy panels mounted on a single axis distance of 27km south of Burra and north of tracking system and generates and delivers Robertstown in the Goyder Regional Council clean, renewable electricity into the South area. West Interconnected System (SWIS) making a major contribution to Western Australia’s The proposed connection point near greenhouse gas reductions. Robertstown means that the project’s large- scale battery would be in an ideal position to inject emergency power and fault current into

Page 12 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) the South Australian grid in the event of a The largest solar farm fault impacting the proposed SA-NSW interconnector, and enable the continued connected to the National stable operation of the South Australian grid Electricity Market is live in any subsequent separation from the NSW 19 August grid. Octopus Investments and Edify Energy are very pleased to announce that Darlington Given the scale of energy generation that Point Solar Farm has now completed the would ultimately be achieved by development generator registration process. Darlington of the Goyder South project, it is proposed to Point Solar Farm is a 275MWac, 333MWdc be constructed in multiple stages. It is not yet solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, located in South- possible to be certain about the size and West New South Wales and is currently the composition of each stage as this depends on largest solar farm connected to the National the size and type of the demand from Electricity Market. electricity customers. Indicatively, however, Neoen hopes to construct Goyder South in Critical system strength approximately three separate stages, each With two synchronous condensers as part of comprising: the project, Darlington Point Solar Farm adds - 400MW wind; further system strength to the power grid in a - 200MW solar; and critical area, helping AEMO and TransGrid - 300MW/600MWh storage manage the ongoing integration of renewable energy generation.

PROJECT NEWS AEMO’s Chief System Design & Engineering Yarren Hut Solar Farm Officer, Alex Wonhas, said that the Darlington BayWA r.e.’s proposed Yarren Hut Solar Farm, Point Solar Farm’s registration is another approximately 17km northwest of Nyngan in important milestone towards unlocking new western NSW, has been placed on public generation in the West Murray Zone. exhibition until 16 September by the NSW state government. The proposed project “AEMO congratulates Edify Energy and would have a total export capacity of up to 28 Octopus Investments in achieving registration MW (AC), and would include: for the Darlington Point Solar Farm. The issues • Single-axis tracker (or fixed) photovoltaic identified in the West Murray Zone have solar panels mounted on steel frames made it more challenging to meet the (approximately 84,000 PV solar panels). connection requirements for new projects, so • Underground electrical conduits and cabling we especially appreciated the collaborative to connect the arrays and the inverters and and responsive approach adopted to solve the transformers. technical challenges that arose.” he said. • Inverters, transformers and electrical conduits. Solar filling the gaps of ageing coal fleets • Onsite substation / switching station. Octopus Investments Australia Managing • 66 kV electrical sub-transmission line to Director, Sam Reynolds, said: “This is a connect the proposal to the existing Essential significant milestone for the Australian Energy transmission line. electricity market. Solar farms of this scale will • Site office, site compound, vehicle parking be essential to filling the gap in power areas, access tracks and perimeter fencing. generation that will soon emerge as more of • Site access from Mitchell Highway. Australia’s ageing coal fleet retires, especially in New South Wales. AEMO’s latest Integrated System Plan aligns with our ambitions – to finance the urgently needed expansion of renewable energy in Australia.

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This comes with the challenge of ensuring the CS Energy taps into UQ'S new generation can operate reliably on the power grid and maintain system strength. Warwick Solar Farm With two synchronous condensers we’re 19 August confident this project can be seen as a CS Energy has signed an offtake agreement to trailblazing template for the future of purchase a proportion of the renewable renewables in Australia and beyond.” energy produced at the University of Queensland’s 64 megawatt Warwick Solar Affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity Farm. for Australians Edify Energy’s Chief Executive, John Cole, said: Energy generated by the project is used by UQ “Achieving registration of the Darlington Point to offset its own energy needs, with any Solar Farm and seeing it export energy to surplus being sold into the market – a portion power NSW homes and businesses is very of which will now be supplied to CS Energy. pleasing. This follows many years of hard work by the Edify team developing, financing, CS Energy will pass the benefit of this overseeing construction of, and now asset renewable energy from the solar farm on to managing the largest operating solar farm in our Queensland Government customers, as the country”. part of our energy supply agreement with large Queensland Government sites. We would like to acknowledge the AEMO and TransGrid teams who worked tirelessly in a CS Energy is also supporting UQ’s energy very challenging environment with the project ambitions through providing retail team. The power system is yet to reach peak administration and hedging services. complexity. We are here to navigate those complexities and develop and deliver new CEO Andrew Bills said CS Energy was excited clean energy power stations that are to be adding further renewable energy to its attractive to investors and provide affordable, portfolio to support customer requirements. reliable and sustainable electricity for Australians. “Our supply agreement with the Queensland Government includes a renewable allocation The Darlington Point Solar Farm contains as well as energy from CS Energy’s thermal nearly 1 million solar panels spread over generation assets,” Mr Bills said. 1,000Ha and will provide cheap, clean green energy to over 110,000 homes. At its peak the “We’re proud to offer these kinds of tailored project provided more than 700 construction energy solutions to our customers and jobs including many local to the area. Octopus support the Queensland Government’s target and Edify would like to thank the community of 50 per cent renewable energy generation for their ongoing support of this project and by 2030.” hope it can be a source of pride and further economic benefit for those living locally. Representatives from CS Energy visited the Warwick Solar Farm on 17 July for its official Source: Edify Energy opening.

The Warwick Solar Farm utilises low impact solar photovoltaic technology to generate around 160,000 MWh of clean energy every year.

Source: CS Energy

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Next step in making the power very different, so we need to look at how the rules should adapt.” grid ‘storage friendly’ is underway Since 2017, five large batteries have 20 August connected to the national grid. The cost of The Australian Energy Market Commission is lithium ion batteries dropped by 87% calling for views on changing the National between 2010 and 2019 and capital costs for Energy Rules so large-scale batteries and grid-scale batteries are forecast to fall from other storage can take their place more $227kWh to $53kWh in the next decade. efficiently in the power system. AEMO has identified 13GW of publicly Proposals from the Australian Energy Market announced, maturing and committed future Operator (AEMO), include creating new storage projects. While there are no grid-scale categories and classifications in the rules for hybrid facilities live just yet, AEMO is receiving ‘bi-directional resource providers’ and registration and connection enquiries. reviewing how obligations in the rules, including fees and charges, apply to them. The energy storage integration work They are outlined in an AEMC consultation intersects with work already underway by the paper released today. Energy Security Board (ESB), which is looking at, among other things, small and large-scale In assessing those proposals, the Commission storage as an important part of a two-sided will look at how storage and hybrid* energy market. In a truly two-sided market, businesses are treated under the rules. We energy consumers large and small both buy will look at whether this creates barriers to and supply electricity. them entering the market, increases costs and workload, or affects investment certainty or “The National energy rules were written when clarity for businesses. energy flowed one way: it was either supplied or consumed,” Ms York said. “Now, energy “This is the third major arm of the work we flows in both directions. Batteries and other are doing to get the grid ready for the energy storage like hydro can both consume energy storage era,” AEMC Acting Chair Merryn York and supply energy to the grid. Eventually, this said. two-way flow of electricity will be the norm.

“We have already approved major reform on “The AEMC is working on the two-sided five-minute settlement, which will make the market initiative as part of our role on the ESB market more responsive and create financial so we are well positioned to ensure both of incentives for fast-response energy these projects are in sync. There may even be generation like batteries to participate. foundational work we can do as part of this integration work to produce interim measures We are also working on transmission access towards a two-sided market.” reform, which proposes financial incentives for batteries to locate where they’re needed Submissions to the AEMC consultation paper most – to back up variable renewable close on 15 October. generation like wind farms and solar plants. *Hybrid businesses combine different “This third piece of work on integration is technologies like batteries, solar and wind, about looking at how storage enters the behind one connection point to supply or market, and how it can participate to best consume electricity effect. The forecast influx of storage and hybrid systems means the future will look Source: AEMC

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PROJECT NEWS NEW PROJECT Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Karara Wind Farm Scheme Location: Approximately 40km south-west of Warwick in southern Queensland Origin’s Full Feasibility Study into the Capacity: Approximately 114 MW expansion of its existing Shoalhaven Pumped Developer: CleanCo Queensland, in Hydro Scheme (SPHS) determined that the partnership with ACCIONA Energy Australia addition of a 235MW unit is technically Global feasible. In contrast to the existing design, the Status: Referral submitted to the federal Project can be undertaken with a single government for public comment under the reversible 235MW Francis machine due to EPBC Act advances in technology since the original LGA: Goondiwindi Regional Council and construction. Geotechnical conditions present Southern Downs Regional Council a viable project area and there are no grid Description: The project will include the connection or other technical issues which construction and operation of a wind farm would entirely preclude development of the comprising up to 20 wind turbines and Project. ancillary infrastructure including:

— Wind turbine foundations and hardstand However, the Study also determined that the areas expansion of the scheme is not commercially — Main site access from Carbean Road feasible in the current economic and — Access tracks regulatory conditions. While there are — Overhead 33 kV electrical reticulation opportunities to capture the arbitrage value in — Underground 33 kV electrical reticulation the NEM, particularly with the increasing — One substation penetration of non-dispatchable renewable — Two meteorological masts energy, and benefits of utilising existing — One construction compound pumped hydro and dam infrastructure at — One laydown area Shoalhaven to develop a competitive — One operations and maintenance facility “brownfield” opportunity, these do not The project proposed over one State Forest outweigh the commercial risks of the Project. and four freehold lots, totalling approximately Of note, the capital costs of the Project were 4633 ha with a development footprint within significantly higher than predicted in the Pre- the project area of approximately 338 ha. The Feasibility Study and are subject to exchange proposed project will connect into Powerlink’s rate fluctuations. Furthermore, revenue transmission network via a proposed 64 km, generated by PHES projects in the NEM is 330 kV overhead transmission line (OHTL) likely to be significantly impacted by the from the Project’s substation and cutting into development of Snowy 2.0 alongside the the Powerlink Millmerran – Middle Ridge impact of batteries in the FCAS markets. OHTL further north at Tummaville.

Contact: Natasha Patterson Origin has paused the development of the Senior Manager – Planning & Environment Project; however the additional unit remains CleanCo Queensland an option for further exploration pending Email: [email protected] beneficial changes to the economic and regulatory environment influencing the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Scheme. Origin will continue to consider this expansion Project as an option for development in the future.

Source: Origin Energy

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Central Queensland Power development of new industries such as green hydrogen. welcomes Queensland Government funding to unlock “Accelerating the development of transmission upgrades is key to unlocking the Renewable Energy Zones full potential of the Fitzroy REZ to deliver the 20 August firm, dispatchable and clean energy that Central Queensland Power (CQP) has strongly heavy industry in Gladstone needs now and welcomed the announcement by the into the future’’ Matt Rebbeck, CEO of RES in Queensland Government today of $145 Australia (a CQP joint venture partner) said million in funding to accelerate the today. development of key Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) across the state, and the opportunity “CQP strongly welcomes the Queensland they present for supporting heavy industry Premier’s vision to support heavy industry, and hydrogen growth. including aluminium smelting, through the development of the Fitzroy REZ. In addition CQP is the developer of the 2GW wind, solar, the focus on creating new export fuels such as storage and transmission project in the heart hydrogen and developing new, skilled, of the Fitzroy Renewable Energy Zone manufacturing jobs in the clean energy supply adjacent to the industrial centre of Gladstone. chain is strongly aligned with the CQP project vision, Simon Corbell, Chief Adviser at Energy “The major new funding announced today by Estate said today. the Queensland Premier, The Hon. Anastacia Palaszczuk MP, to unlock the development of CQP is continuing to develop the project REZ’s across the state, including the Fitzroy through engagement with the Queensland REZ in Central Queensland, is the leadership State Government (including Trade and needed to support our ongoing development Investment Queensland), Port of Gladstone, and investment in the CQP project” Simon Gladstone Regional Council and heavy Currie, Director of Energy Estate, (a CQP joint industry operations in the region. venture partner), said today. Source: RES Australia “CQP is designed to drive the decarbonisation of Gladstone and accelerate the energy transition of heavy industry around this critical region. We are actively developing these renewable energy projects, with the Full steam ahead for Golden support of, and engagement with, the Plains Wind Farm Queensland Government, Gladstone City 21 August Council and large industrial operations in Today the Court of Appeal – Supreme Court of Gladstone. Today’s announcement confirms it Victoria handed down its decision in relation is a project which is aligned with the State to the Golden Plains Wind Farm. Government’s vision for supporting heavy industry and manufacturing jobs with clean The case to the Supreme Court against the energy.” Mr Currie said. Minister for Planning that challenged the decision on the Golden Plains Wind Farm was CQP will deliver a 2GW mix of wind, solar and unsuccessful. This means the development storage in proximity to the Central permission granted by the Minister for Queensland region, allowing for blended development of the Wind Farm stands. generation to create a firmed renewable electricity supply able to meet the 24/7 requirements of existing heavy industry, the wider community, and stimulate the

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Today’s decision is a huge endorsement for Solar and wind generation the project and the future of renewable energy in Victoria! breaks record in the NEM 21 August The Golden Plains Wind Farm is set to Yesterday a new record was set for variable commence construction next year at renewable energy (VRE) across the National Rokewood, south of Ballarat, following the Electricity Market (NEM) with 11.7 gigawatts Appeal Court judgement released today. (GW) from large scale solar, wind and rooftop solar PV recorded. WestWind Energy Australia Managing Director Tobias Geiger said the decision was The previous record was 11.3 GW back in well received and allows the team to progress November 2019. the development of the largest wind farm in Victoria. AEMO Chief System Design and Engineering Officer, Alex Wonhas, said that this new “Initiated by local landholders and with strong record reflects the rapid generation community support, the Golden Plains wind transformation underway across the National farm will produce more than 1 GW of clean, Electricity Market. renewable electricity,” Mr Geiger said. “That’s enough electricity to power more than “Yesterday’s new record of instantaneous 500,000 homes!” renewable generation highlights the changing supply mix throughout the electricity market,” The Golden Plains project has been in Alex said. “In the last six months, we’ve development for more than eight years and commissioned five new wind and solar farms will bring hundreds of jobs to regional Victoria with a generation capacity of 580 megawatts and a substantial demand for goods and (MW) that are feeding into the NEM, and services that will benefit the wider another seven committed projects working community. towards construction of a further 1,785 MW."

“As a locally-based developer, WestWind This new record comes hot on the heels of Energy is committed to bringing substantial AEMO’s recently released 2020 Integrated community benefits to the region, not just System Plan (ISP), which forecasted that more during the five plus years of construction, but than 26 GW of new VRE is needed to replace well into the future.” Mr Geiger said. coal-fired generation, with 63 per cent of coal-fired generation set to retire by 2040. “A community reference group, made up of local people, was established to ensure the The 2020 ISP stated that the least-cost local community benefits from the wind farm, transition of the NEM will be a highly diverse even before construction begins.” portfolio consisting of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and VRE and supported by The project is expected to commence multiple dispatchable resources. construction in 2021. Source: AEMO Source: WestWind Energy

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