Project Update Week ending 13 December 2019
2019 emissions projections released 7 December Updated emissions projections confirm the to capitalise on low cost abatement Liberal Nationals Government is taking real opportunities over the near (to 2022), and meaningful action to reduce emissions medium (to 2030) and long term (post 2030). and meet Australia’s 2030 Paris target. Our commitment is achievable, balanced and responsible, and is part of coordinated global The independent Australia’s Emissions action to deliver a healthy environment for Projections 2019 report, released today, future generations while keeping our outlines to the last tonne how Australia will economy strong. exceed its 2030 Paris target by 16 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2- Last month’s inventory update also showed e). that emissions have dropped over the last year and are lower than when the Coalition The improvement from the 2018 projections came into government in 2013 or any year is primarily a result of our $3.5 billion Climate when Labor was last in government. Solutions Package and continued strong emissions reductions in the electricity sector. Download the report here: www.environment.gov.au/2019- Since 2008, the abatement task to achieve the projections 2030 target has reduced by 3.4 billion tonnes. Source: Federal Government The report also shows that Australia will exceed its 2020 target by 411 Mt CO2-e. As the Government has made clear before, PROJECT NEWS Australia will use its over-achievement from Banana Range Wind Farm previous targets only to the extent necessary The federal Department of the Environment & to reach the 2030 emissions reduction target. Energy declared Lacour Energy’s proposed 180 MW Banana Range Wind Farm, near The new projections do not include Biloela in Queensland, not a controlled action. abatement associated with technology When constructed the project will comprise improvements (the key driver of future up to 51 wind turbines and could potentially emissions reductions) or the National Electric include large-scale battery energy storage as Vehicle Strategy which will be finalised in well. The project is located on the Banana 2020. Range with an existing high voltage (132kV) transmission line running through the site. The government is developing a technology investment roadmap to identify the most efficient deployment pathways for new technologies, to ensure Australia can continue
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Sterling and Wilson Solar and Wilson Solar Limited has positioned itself well to be at the forefront of this tremendous begins construction of 200 MW opportunity. solar project in Australia 9 December * According to IHS Markit Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited (SWSL) (BSE ** As of 30th September 2019 script id: 542760), the world’s largest solar EPC solutions provider*, has announced today Source: Sterling & Wilson the commencement of construction of a 200 MW solar project in Australia. The turnkey solar EPC project is being developed by Leading renewables Lightsource BP, an independent global leader in the funding, development, acquisition and infrastructure investor, management of solar PV projects Foresight Group, breaks through 2GW of generating The Wellington Solar Farm is a solar photovoltaic (PV) independent power project capacity (IPP) being constructed on 490 Ha of land, 9 December northeast of the town of Wellington in New Foresight Group (“Foresight”), a leading South Wales. The project is planned to be infrastructure and private equity investment commissioned by December 2020 and once manager, continues its growth trajectory in operational, the plant will produce enough renewable energy infrastructure, breaking solar energy to power 70,000 homes, and through the 2GW of generating capacity for save 336,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, the first time. which is the equivalent of taking 121,580 cars off the road. Foresight has been investing in innovative technologies for over 35 years; following the Bikesh Ogra, Director and Global CEO, Sterling tech crunch and the bursting of the dotcom and Wilson Solar Limited said, “Australia is bubble in the early 2000s, Founder and one of the most promising markets for Solar; Chairman Bernard Fairman identified clean with around 5.2% of Australia’s total electrical energy as an emerging sector. Initially energy production generating from Solar. We investing in clean technology companies, had been following the market for over a few Foresight rapidly grew its expertise in waste years and wanted to get in at the right time to energy managing funds for the London with a right project. We are delighted to work Green Fund and the UK Green Investment with Lightsource BP on the Wellington Solar Bank, and in Solar managing the largest solar project. This will be one of the larger and focused renewable infrastructure company, significant projects being built in Australia. We the £1.1bn Foresight Solar Fund Limited which will leverage from our recent acquisition of listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2013 GCo Solar in Australia which has executed and was recently welcomed into the FTSE 250 Solar projects for major developers. We are index. confident, as a global solar EPC company with experience across geographies, we can bring Foresight has a portfolio of more than 190 our best practices to this market.” renewable energy generation assets under management globally. Sterling and Wilson Solar Limited has been executing projects globally and has to its It has supported the global transition to clean credit more than 8.8 GWp of high performing energy through investments in more than 100 solar power projects in various geographies. solar plants with more than 1.3GW of With the global solar market poised to grow generating capacity across the UK, Southern substantially in the years to come, Sterling
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Europe and Australia, becoming the second Federico Giannandrea, Partner and Head of largest manager of solar assets in Europe. Business Development of Infrastructure, added: “I came on board at a time when The Company’s investments also extend to Foresight’s foray into renewable energy was onshore wind farms where it manages 22 in its infancy. I recall that in 2010 we had less farms in the UK, France and Germany than 50MW of renewable energy generation amounting to 335MW, bioenergy and waste capacity and in less than 10 years we have where it manages 32 projects of 57MW of achieved what at the time seemed very clean electricity and 49MW of thermal energy, ambitious. We hope to keep up this reserve power 158 MW and 46 MW of utility momentum with a goal to reach 3GW of scale battery storage assets throughout installed generating capacity by 2023, by Europe. facilitating the transition from subsidised to unsubsidised renewable energy.” Recent transactions include the acquisition of two operational wind farms in Northern Source: Foresight Group Ireland and Yorkshire and two large scale agricultural AD plants producing enough energy to power in excess of 30,000 homes. Electricity prices falling across
Earlier in 2019, Foresight advanced its the whole supply chain for first ambitious expansion plans by acquiring the time advisory mandate for John Laing 9 December Environmental Assets Group Limited (“JLEN”). The AEMC’s annual report on electricity price
trends shows a falling price outlook over the It is estimated that every year Foresight’s next few years. Over the three year period assets divert 800,000 tonnes of waste from modelled by this report consumers would going to landfill, process some 2 million save $97 (or 7.1%) on their electricity bills out tonnes of waste, save 1.5 million tonnes of to 2022. greenhouse gases equivalent to taking more than half a million cars off the road and Overall residential electricity prices out to generate enough clean energy to power over 2022 are estimated to continue falling on the half a million of households. back of increasing supplies of generation in
the electricity market and lower regulated Achieving this milestone is further prices for networks. demonstration of Foresight’s environmental social and governance (ESG) investment AEMC Chairman, John Pierce, said the 10th credentials which it applies to all investment price trends report shows costs falling across strategies. the three key drivers of consumers’ bills.
Commenting on the milestone, Bernard Generation costs are falling because of Fairman, Chairman of Foresight Group, said: additional generation; regulated network “In just over 10 years, we are making a prices have been lowered in response to positive contribution to protecting the planet falling distribution costs; and green scheme by generating more than 2GW of clean costs are being driven down by cheaper large- energy. We call it investing for a smarter scale generation certificates for increasing future and we are proud to be delivering levels of renewable generation. attractive returns for our investors whilst - Wholesale costs are estimated to fall by creating a sustainable legacy for future around $62 from FY19 to FY22 for the generations.” representative consumer as more supply
comes into the market and demand remains flat.
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- Network costs are estimated to decrease by price projections should be seen as just that, $11 over this period. projections.” Mr Pierce said. - Environmental costs are estimated to fall by $21 over this period. Understanding what’s driving prices can help give state and territory governments the “While the overall national trend is down all information they need to help determine if across the supply chain there are regional price changes announced each year by differences across states and territories that retailers are consistent with changes in the will affect price outcomes depending on power system’s underlying costs. where you live and how much electricity you use,” Mr Pierce said. Price trends will affect individual households differently depending on how much electricity “Overall, a representative consumer will pay each consumer uses, and how willing they are around $97 less than today by June 2022.” to switch to a better energy deal where From FY19 to FY22: market offers are available. - South east Queensland electricity prices estimated to fall overall by 20% or $278 (an It will continue to be important for customers annual average drop of 7.0%). to shop around to get the best deal for their - South Australia electricity prices estimated circumstances through government to fall overall by 2% or $27 (an annual average comparison sites such as the AER’s Energy drop of 0.5%). Made Easy; in Victoria, Victorian Energy - Victoria electricity prices estimated to fall Compare; and in NSW, Energy Switch. overall by 5% or $53 (an annual average drop of 1.6%). No two households use energy in the same - NSW electricity prices estimated to fall way. Knowing how much power you use and overall by 8% or $107 (an annual average drop when is important in controlling electricity of 2.8%). bills in the future as new technologies become - ACT electricity prices estimated to fall overall more affordable and energy entrepreneurs by 7% or $134 (an annual average drop of expand demand response options for 2.4%). consumers - Tasmania electricity prices estimated to fall overall by 5% or $93 (an annual average drop Source: AEMC of 1.7%). - Western Australia electricity costs are projected to rise by 6% or $102. However, Cattle Hill Wind Farm spins to actual price outcomes may be different due to different regulatory arrangements in Western life Australia. 9 December The Cattle Hill Wind Farm has officially spun “These results for FY19 to FY22 point to the to life, with the first Goldwind turbine state of the market over this specific period connected to the Tasmanian transmission which will see significant injection of around network and generating electricity. 5,000 MW of new supply. Goldwind Managing Director John Titchen More supply puts downward pressure on said Friday’s ceremony was a very exciting day prices. But it’s important to note that over a in the life of the project. decade of analysis we have seen trends change sharply in response to factors such as “When fully operational, the Cattle Hill Wind sudden generator closures and Farm will generate enough clean energy to implementation of new policies. As such, all power the equivalent of approximately 63,500
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Tasmanian homes each year,” Mr Titchen “Transportation of Goldwind turbine said. components started in March, following $10 million of road upgrades in the Central “Significantly, the project will help the Highlands area by the Launceston based Tasmanian Government reach its goal of an company, Gradco, with approximately 528 additional 1,000- gigawatt hours of on-island oversize loads having been transported to the renewable energy by the end of 2022, project site,” Mr Titchen said. contributing around half of the additional generation needed. Mr Titchen said the project partners were particularly proud to have been the first in “33 of 48 Goldwind turbines have been fully Australia to install the cutting-edge installed, with two main cranes now installing technology to reduce impacts on the on site. Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle.
“Pre-commissioning of turbines has been “Through artificial intelligence and machine underway for some time and generation learning during the turbine commissioning commissioning is now ongoing. period, the IdentiFlight technology is expected to become highly proficient at identifying “The project team has met a number of Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles,” Mr Titchen environmental challenges during the said. construction to date, such as bushfire, significant snow and wind, and scheduling of 16 IdentiFlight stations have been installed works to minimise disturbance during across the site that will detect Tasmanian Tasmanian Wedge-tailed eagle breeding Wedge-tailed Eagles and shut down nearby period. turbines as needed. IdentiFlight has now started operating with initial turbine “The highly focussed team, with high levels of operation. communication with project stakeholders, have met and overcome these challenges with An official ceremony was held on site on positivity and little impact to the overall Friday to mark the occasion of the first energy project schedule.” generation.
Mr Titchen said approximately 150 jobs have Source: Goldwind been created during the construction period on site as well as additional offsite work from Tasmanian project partners. Amazon Web Services’ first
This includes: renewable power project • Hazell Bros – construction of the civil and outside of the EU and the USA electrical works for the project • TasNetworks – connecting the project to the will be in Australia transmission network 9 December • Gradco – upgrades to local roads close to Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the project area ($10 million contract value) that its first renewable power project outside • Haywards – providing 20 per cent of the of the EU and the USA will be in Australia. tower components ($8 million contract value), and It is one of 6 new renewable energy projects • Many other smaller scale Tasmanian announced at AWS’s annual re:Invent subcontractors and suppliers. conference in Las Vegas. Together, these new projects are expected to produce a total 711MW of new renewable energy capacity, and will help the company achieve its long-
Page 5 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) term global commitment within Amazon’s Background: Climate Pledge: to reach 80 per cent - AWS is the most comprehensive and broadly renewable energy by 2024 and 100 per cent adopted cloud platform, with services that renewable energy target by 2030, and be on help customers power their infrastructure, the path to net zero carbon by 2040. become more agile, and lower operating costs. It provides businesses with the breadth Paul Migliorini, Managing Director for Amazon and depth of everything they need to succeed Web Services in Australia and New Zealand – from startups to large enterprises. said: - There are hundreds of thousands of active “We know our customers care about customers using AWS services in Australia sustainability, and are excited to announce each month including Atlassian, Canva, nib that our first renewable power project outside health funds, Australia Post, Kmart Group, of Europe and the USA will be in Australia. The IAG, Carsales, Qantas, Woodside, REA Group, project will help bring us closer to achieving Seek, Xinja, Boral, Lion Nathan, Origin Energy, our long-term global commitment within Australian Bureau of Statistics, ParKam, NAB, Amazon’s Climate Pledge of reaching 80 per Amaysim, Westpac’s Littler Ripper Group, and cent renewable energy by 2024 and 100 per Australian Taxation Office. cent renewable energy target by 2030, and be - AWS re:Invent 2019, is a four day global on our path to net zero carbon by 2040. We event Las Vegas, Nevada, which brings will provide further details about the together global business and government Australian project in due course. leaders to discuss and showcase the latest technology trends. Attendees experience “AWS is committed to running our business in technology demonstrations, attend keynotes, the most environmentally friendly way and talk tracks focused on how technologies possible, and our scale allows us to achieve from AI, ML, robotics, cloud computing, and higher resource utilization and energy blockchain technology is changing the way efficiency than the typical on-premises data individuals live, and do business. center. A recent study by 451, a global - In addition to the environmental benefits research firm specialising in insights for inherently associated with running enterprise IT companies, found that AWS’s applications in the cloud, AWS exceeded 50% infrastructure is 3.6 times more energy renewable energy usage for 2018. As part of efficient than the median of surveyed Amazon’s Climate Pledge, the company is enterprise data centers, with more than two committed to reaching 80% renewable energy thirds of this advantage due to a more energy by 2024 and 100% renewable energy target efficient server population and higher server by 2030, on its path to net zero carbon by utilization. AWS data centers are also more 2040. energy efficient than enterprise sites due to comprehensive efficiency programs that For more information, see touch every facet of our facilities. When they https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/susta factored in the carbon intensity of consumed inability-in-the-cloud. electricity and renewable energy purchases, 451 found that AWS performs the same task Source: Amazon Web Services with an 88 per cent lower carbon footprint. In addition to the environmental benefits inherently associated with running applications in the cloud, AWS exceeded 50 per cent renewable energy usage for 2018. Globally, Amazon has over 70 renewable energy projects that have the capacity to generate over 1,900 MW and deliver more than 5.3 million MWh of energy annually.”
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Solar Farm approved in the confident it will have real benefits for the local community and NSW.” Dubbo Region 9 December Source: NSW Government The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has approved a new $188 million solar farm at Maryvale, 15km north- NEW PROJECTS west of Wellington, in the state’s central west. Trundle Solar Farm Executive Director of Energy and Resource Location: Trundle, central NSW Assessments Mike Young said Maryvale Solar Capacity: 4.99 MW Farm, will provide around 125 megawatt Developer: Enerparc (MW) of clean renewable energy. LGA: Parkes Shire Council Status: Construction started “Maryvale solar farm is within the Central- Estimated Cost $4.47mil West Renewable Energy Zone and will add to Description: The project will use a single axis the growing hub of solar energy projects in tracking system and a containerised battery the Dubbo area, bringing a fresh boost to the storage system. The generated electricity will economy, diversifying industry for the region, be exported into the network through as well as increasing electricity capacity,” Mr connection into the Essential Energy Trundle Young said. zone substation located in the north-west corner of the development site. The project “The project will also support up to 150 local infrastructure will occupy a footprint of construction jobs over the 12-month approximately 20 ha. It will be monitored construction period.” remotely with a limited on-site presence, apart from routine maintenance. Mr Young said the solar farm also has the potential to save up to 265,000 tonnes of Peak Hill Solar Farm greenhouse gas emissions, reducing NSW’s Location: Peak Hill, central NSW overall emissions and powering around Capacity: 4.99 MW 46,500 homes with renewable energy. Developer: Enerparc LGA: Parkes Shire Council “In NSW the solar industry is continuing to be Status: Construction started a vital part of our energy mix as we transition Description: The project is a single axis to a cleaner and more sustainable energy tracking photovoltaic solar system with two future. central invertor and transformer stations, an operations and maintenance container and “The proposal was assessed in line with the associated security fencing located on the Government’s Large-Scale Solar Guideline western side of the subject land. The which provides clear and consistent guidance remainder of the site will continue to be used to both the community and industry on large- for existing agricultural practices. scale solar energy projects. Contact: Benjamin Hannig Managing Director “The Department considered all potential Enerparc Australia impacts of the project and found it will have Tel: 1300 315 535 minimal impact on the surrounding natural environment and agricultural land,” Mr Young said.
“This state significant project has been assessed on its merits and the Department is
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The Latest from Granville The Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Prospectus has been released today by the 10 December Office of the Coordinator General at the Windhoist recently erected the first 2 of 31 Tasmanian Energy Symposium in China, with turbines at the Granville Harbour wind farm in Hydro Tasmania in attendance to support the Tasmania! This is a landmark moment in an initiative. exciting project which promises to bolster
Australia’s already-impressive wind energy Tasmania’s competitive advantage in the production levels even further! emerging hydrogen industry was outlined last
month with the release of Hydro Tasmania’s This project has been a long time in the white paper, Tasmania’s ‘green hydrogen making, with the original idea for a wind farm opportunity – what makes Tasmania a unique, in this area being conceived over ten years green hydrogen zone? ago. The erection of these turbines is an incredible undertaking that our team carried CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Steve Davy, said the out with the utmost professionalism using white paper had already attracted plenty of their extensive expertise and experience. interest.
The 3.6MW turbines stand at 200m in height, “The key to Tasmania’s potential is our ability making them the tallest in the entire region to produce low-cost, emission-free hydrogen, and some of the tallest in the world. Our team powered by the state’s renewable energy, of 30 worked for 13 hours per turbine to which makes us attractive for countries attach the blades, each of which measuring in looking to meet their emission reduction at 62 metres long and requiring a crane that targets. could reach a distance of 150m.
“Our analysis shows that hydrogen can be The scale of this project is incredible, and is on produced in Tasmania for approximately 10- track to be completed by 2020. Upon 15 per cent less than other Australian power completion, the site will increase the wind grids needing to offset emissions, and 20-30 power already generated in the state of per cent less than from dedicated off-grid Tasmania by a third. This will be enough to renewables, due to the high plant utilisation supply electricity to just under 50,000 homes! that can be supported by Tasmania’s
hydropower. We’d like to thank the entire Windhoist team out in Australia for their continued efforts to “There would be flow-on benefits for all get this project up and running as quickly as Tasmanians too, as a hydrogen industry would possible, and wish them all the best in the create jobs and develop local expertise that coming months. can be exported.
Source: Windhoist “As Australia’s largest generator of clean
energy, it is only appropriate that Hydro
Tasmania be attending the Tasmanian Energy Investors see untapped Symposium event in China, as a part of our potential for Tasmanian 'green ongoing efforts to capitalise our state’s clear advantages and expertise.” hydrogen' 10 December Source: Hydro Tasmania The Tasmanian Government’s release of a prospectus to international investors in the global energy industry explains Tasmania’s unique potential to become a leading supplier of clean, secure and affordable hydrogen.
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PROJECT NEWS ARENA launches $15 million Peel Business Park Microgrid funding round to address solar Enwave Australia applied for an electricity distribution licence and an electricity retail panel end-of-life issues and licence to own and operate an electricity increase efficiency microgrid at the Peel Business Park, 70km 11 December south of Perth in WA. On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) The Lot 600 Microgrid will comprise: has today announced up to $15 million in • an embedded electricity network and funding to support research that aims to related infrastructure, including metering address end-of-life issues for solar PV panels, infrastructure (Distribution Network); as well as increasing their efficiency and • embedded generation and battery storage lowering their cost. infrastructure (Embedded Generation and Storage Assets); As the rate of solar PV deployment increases, • commercial and industrial customers. innovations that can reduce the cost of sustainably managing panels at the end of Lot 600 is being developed by their life will become more important. The DevelopmentWA (previously known as round is seeking to fund projects that can Landcorp) and will be the first development in improve the economics of recycling, such as the Peel Business Park. Subject to being with better upfront design, increasing the granted licences Enwave WA will: value of recovered materials, or even • take ownership and be responsible for the innovations for re-using reused or recycled distribution network designed and components in new panels. Cost savings will constructed by DevelopmentWA; enable both large-scale solar PV projects and • operate the distribution network roof-top PV customers to responsibly manage components of the Lot 600 Microgrid, to their waste, without significantly impacting which this distribution licence application the overall cost of renewable electricity pertains; generation. • retail electricity to customers connected to the distribution network; In addition to end-of-life issues, the funding • provide customers connected to the round will also aim to improve the efficiency distribution network with an opportunity to and cost-effectiveness of solar PV for new or purchase Lot 600 Microgrid sourced electricity established applications. The funding round from third party retailers by offering third will strengthen Australia’s world-leading solar party retailers a Microgrid Electricity Transfer PV R&D sector that ARENA has helped Access Contract; and establish through its previous funding. • construct, commission, operate and However, this is the first time that ARENA has maintain generation and storage sought applications for addressing solutions infrastructure designed to maximise the to end-of-life solar PV issues. consumption of onsite renewable generation. ARENA’s fifth round of research and The primary assets of the Lot 600 Microgrid development (R&D) supports solar PV in the will be: the sub-station, and electrical following areas: distribution network, and embedded - end-of-life: new solutions, including upfront generation and storage assets including an solar PV panel designs and end of life initial 1.2 MW dc ground mounted solar farm processing, that increase the cost- and a 1 MW / 2 MWh battery energy storage effectiveness of sustainable end-of-life system. management of solar PV panels - advanced silicon: improvements to the Source: Enwave overall cost-effectiveness of silicon-based
Page 9 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) panels already in mass market production, Council starts engagement on and their production processes - tandem silicon: increasing the cost- proposed 5MW solar farm effectiveness of silicon-based solar PV 11 December through the use of tandem materials Community engagement about the proposed - new materials: development of new 5 megawatt solar farm on Council-owned land materials with the potential to either reach at 1 Dingo Lane, Myocum has started with an breakthrough cost-efficiencies, or the on-site information session held for local potential for new deployment applications. residents and neighbouring properties.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: “Currently, A small group of residents and property solar PV panel recycling adds a cost to the owners attended the meeting with members supply chain. R&D can help find innovative of Council’s project team. A door knocking solutions to reduce this cost, enabling campaign and letterbox drop has also been sustainable and cost effective management of completed in the Myocum area directly solar panels at the end of their life.” adjacent to and overlooking the proposed solar farm site which is on land next to the “The funding round also aims to build on Resource and Recovery Centre. Australia’s excellence in solar PV R&D, to increase efficiencies and drive down costs Council’s Project Manager, Andrew Swan, said even further and help bring about the next the on-site meeting was the first point of generation in solar technology. More efficient contact with key stakeholders and that and lower cost solar PV can underpin the communication would continue throughout growth of a renewable hydrogen industry, can the detailed feasibility stage of the Dingo Lane drive the electrification of transport and Solar Farm project. industrial processes, and can reduce the costs of delivering secure and reliable renewable “Council is engaging with the community early electricity.” so that there is a clear understanding of the perspectives of the Byron Shire community ARENA has provided more than $290 million with regards to a solar farm of this size before to around 300 solar research and Council commits to the DA process”, Mr Swan development projects since 2009 through said. funding programs inherited from the Australian Solar Institute, or run by ARENA “It’s important to know of any potential since 2012, including $84 million in funding to impacts on the community so that Council can the Australian Centre for Advanced look at mitigation options and assess the Photovoltaics (ACAP) to continue its research overall risk versus the community benefit this operations until 2022. solar farm project would bring.”
Expressions of interest for the funding round When constructed, the 5MW solar farm will are now open. For more information, visit generate enough electricity to offset Council’s the Solar R&D funding page. power usage and send additional renewable power back into the grid. Source: ARENA Mr Swan said those who attended the meeting had been interested to learn more about potential glare and visual impacts of the solar panels, possibility of dual use of the site, dust and traffic issues from the existing unsealed road, funding and payback, alternative sustainable initiatives, flooding impacts and Council’s infrastructure priorities.
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“We’re currently conducting glare and reflected on their underside, it is anticipated flooding assessments of the proposed site and approximately 10 per cent additional energy will share the findings of these reports with output could be produced compared to other the community once received in the new traditional systems of the same nominal year.” power rating.
The project team is seeking input from any It is expected the ground mounted solar interested groups and individuals and plan to arrays will be completed by September 2020. continue engagement of the wider community through additional meetings in Source: Cairns Regional Council early 2020.
More information is available online at: Draft 2020 Integrated System https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Envir onment/Climate- Plan released for consultation change/Mitigation/Renewable-energy- 12 December projects#section-2 AEMO has today published its Draft 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP), an ‘actionable’ Source: Byron Shire Council roadmap for the efficient development of the National Electricity Market.
Mini solar farms to reduce The Draft 2020 Integrated System Plan (ISP) uses forecasts of demand and generation emissions retirements, scenario modelling and 11 December comprehensive engineering analysis to Council has awarded Solgen Energy Pty Ltd develop an optimal development path for the $3 million contract to build mini solar Australia’s energy future. Extensive consumer, farms at five of its Waste Water Treatment industry and stakeholder engagement has Plants (WWTP). informed this draft which builds on AEMO’s 2018 ISP. Ground-mounted solar power systems with a proposed 1.78MW capacity are to be installed The outcome of this analysis sets out the across the Northern, Southern, Marlin Coast, investment opportunities for the market and Edmonton and Gordonvale WWTP. targeted transmission augmentation necessary to achieve the best outcomes for It is estimated the project will reduce consumers. It aims to ensure Australians Council’s total electricity use by 8 per cent enjoy affordable, secure and reliable energy in and total emissions by up to 6 per cent. the coming decades as old generation assets retire and they are replaced with a This will assist Council to meet its target of combination of new technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per upgraded transmission links. cent compared to 2007/2008 levels. As in the 2018 plan, the Draft 2020 ISP As part of the proposal, crushed concrete identifies the investments needed for produced by Council will be used as a “rock Australia’s future energy system: in mulch” at the sites, which would reduce on- distributed energy resources; variable going maintenance and reflect additional solar renewable energy; supporting dispatchable radiation. resources and power system services; and the transmission grid. As the panels to be used can produce additional power from solar radiation
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AEMO’s Managing Director and Chief states and unlock much needed Executive Officer, Audrey Zibelman, said the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ). Draft ISP both highlights progress since 2018, and lays out future requirements for the To manage uncertainty, the Draft ISP uses energy system to deliver the most cost- scenarios and sensitivity analysis, with a effective pathway considering multiple future central scenario built around existing scenarios for achieving a secure and reliable government policies. system that meets consumer needs and government policy objectives. The Draft ISP identifies projects to augment the transmission grid as part of the optimal “We’ve been working collaboratively with the development plan. These projects fall into energy sector on an actionable roadmap to three categories, with differing time horizons, manage a smooth transition that maximises to minimise costs and achieve power system benefits and avoids unnecessary costs for needs as the energy system evolves. Australian consumers,” Ms Zibelman said. Group 1 (Priority projects): these are critical “To maximise economic benefits, as to address cost, security and reliability issues traditional generators retire, Australia must and should be either underway or invest in a modern energy system with commencing soon. They include: significant consumer-led distributed energy A new 330kv transmission line from resources – such as rooftop solar – and utility- Robertstown in South Australia to Wagga scale variable renewable energy, supported Wagga in NSW (EnergyConnect) by sufficient dispatchable resources and well A new interconnection from Western targeted augmentations to the electricity Victoria to southern NSW and Snowy 2.0, network,” she said. to enable energy from the upgraded Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro generators to To highlight the changes occurring within the flow to Victorian towns and cities and to power system, the Draft 2020 ISP identifies: unlock large-scale renewable generation Rooftop solar capacity is expected to in Victoria (VNI West) double or even triple, providing up to 22% An upgrade of the existing of total energy by 2040. interconnection from Queensland to NSW More than 30 gigawatts (GW) of large- (QNI) scale renewable energy is needed to An upgrade of the existing replace coal-fired generation by 2040, interconnection from Victoria to NSW with 63 per cent of Australia’s coal-fired (VNI) generation set to retire by then. A new interconnection from Tumut to Up to 21 GW of new dispatchable Bannaby to reinforce the southern NSW resources are needed to back up grid (HumeLink) renewables, in the form of utility-scale Augmentation of the western Victorian pumped hydro or battery storage, transmission system to efficiently unlock demand response such as demand-side renewable generation participation, and distributed batteries Increasing inertia and fault current in participating as virtual power plants. South Australian transmission networks System services including voltage control, system strength, frequency management, In addition, AEMO is recommending planning power system inertia and dispatchability and approvals work be commenced now for a all need to be managed as the generation new transmission link from Tasmania to mix changes. Victoria (Marinus Link), to ensure it could Targeted and strategic investment in the commence construction by 2023 should that grid is needed to balance resources across be required, if a variety of contingencies occur including either delays to VNI West or a delay
Page 12 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) to Snowy 2.0 and an earlier than anticipated 14D closes deal on Aurora Victorian coal plant closure. Project Group 2 (Near-term projects): For these 12 December projects, AEMO recommends taking action • Aurora Solar Energy Project near Port before 2022. A further upgrade to the Augusta now fully owned by 1414 Degrees Queensland-New South Wales interconnector • SolarReserve Australia II Pty Ltd to be falls into this category. renamed SiliconAurora Pty Ltd • Capital servicing requirements to be staged Group 3 (Future options): These projects with progressive generation and storage provide valuable options for Australia’s future • Marie Pavlik appointed CEO of SiliconAurora energy system and should be further explored during 2020 and 2021. 1414 Degrees (ASX:14D) “The Company” is pleased to announce it has completed the They are Marinus Link, a larger Queensland to purchase of SolarReserve Australia II Pty Ltd, NSW upgrade, a Central to Southern with the intention to rename it SiliconAurora Queensland transmission upgrade, Pty Ltd (“SiliconAurora”) with a new board. reinforcement of the Gladstone Grid, and reinforcements of the Sydney, Newcastle and SiliconAurora owns the advanced Aurora Solar Wollongong supply to support the creation of Energy Project (“Aurora Project”) near Port additional renewable energy zones. Augusta in South Australia and two early stage solar sites in New South Wales. “The Draft 2020 ISP sets out how to build a least-cost system for Australia, but for The Company has been meeting with key consumers to receive the full benefit of the stakeholders while progressing technical and plan, important additional work on market economic modelling for the Aurora Project. design and infrastructure funding options 1414 Degrees’ Executive Chairman, Dr Kevin needs to be undertaken. At the direction of Moriarty said that its modelling showed state and federal ministers, the Energy Security positive revenues from using its TESS-GRID Board is undertaking this work and AEMO looks silicon storage technology with the proposed forward to supporting it,” Ms Zibelman added. solar PV generation. “Our plan is to progressively increase the generation at the “AEMO thanks the hundreds of stakeholders Aurora Project. This will limit capital servicing involved in our engagement program and requirements while our technology is proved welcomes continued input leading towards at increasing scale to more than 1,000 MWh.” publishing the final 2020 ISP mid next year,” she said. 1414 Degrees has appointed its Commercial Development Manager, Marie Pavlik, as CEO AEMO’s stakeholder collaboration and of SiliconAurora to drive the development of consultation will continue from today’s release the Project. Marie will commence in January up to the finalisation of the 2020 ISP in mid after finishing her senior role with ComAp, a 2020. Written submissions on the content of global leader in generator controllers and the Draft ISP are welcome until 21 February demand management systems. Marie has and in relation to non-network options for been in the leadership team developing actionable ISP projects until 13 March 2020. To ComAp in the Asia Pacific Region for six years, register for invitations to upcoming ISP events, after relocating from Prague where she please email [email protected] and visit served an additional eight years with the AEMO’s website for a detailed list of company. Marie brings extensive experience consultation activities. in renewable energy, market development and commercial growth. She has a Master of Source: AEMO Business Administration, Master of Electrical
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Engineering and is a graduate of the Sunraysia Solar has refused to award to Australian Institute of Company Directors. Decmil an extension of time and an associated adjustment to the contracted date for “This is a key appointment for a milestone Substantial Completion. Decmil believes it is project for 1414 Degrees. We will entitled to an adjustment to the date for demonstrate our grid scale thermal storage by Substantial Completion and has escalated this systematically building a power station with under the dispute mechanism of the Contract. firmed renewable generation,” Dr Kevin Moriarty said. At this stage, Decmil confirms it does not believe that the issues raised above will have Source: 1414 Degrees a material impact on its earnings for the half year ended 31 December 2019, however, it is expected to negatively impact the Group’s Sunraysia Solar Farm update cash position by approximately $14 million, being remaining progress payments (including 12 December the Substantial Completion milestone Decmil Group Limited (ASX:DCG) (“Decmil” or payment) due on the project, until resolved. “Company”) wishes to provide an update on the Sunraysia solar farm project. Notwithstanding this negative cash impact,
Decmil retains sufficient cash reserves and On 8 October 2018 Decmil announced that it working capital facilities. had entered into an EPC contract with
Sunraysia Solar Farm Pty Ltd (“SSF”), a Source: Decmil development company controlled by
Maoneng Australia and infrastructure developer John Laing, for the construction of the 255MW Sunraysia Solar Project Lion Beers to be brewed with (“Project”) located near Balranald in New 100% renewable electricity by South Wales. 2025 All plant, equipment and components 12 December necessary for the operation of the Works Following its announcement last month that it (“Physical Works”) necessary to achieve would become Australasia’s first major carbon Substantial Completion are now complete, neutral brewer in 2020, Lion has today with the Physical Works being delivered pledged to use 100% renewable electricity to safely, on time and in accordance with the brew all of its beers by 2025. requirements of the Contract. CEO of Lion Stuart Irvine said the company Notwithstanding the above, Substantial had received such a positive reaction to its Completion requirements of the Contract can carbon neutral commitment that it was keen only be satisfied following Sunraysia Solar to announce the next phase of its climate Project Pty Ltd (“Sunraysia Solar”) obtaining strategy before Christmas. R1 registration of the project from the Australian Energy Market Operator (“AEMO”). “Lion is proud to be extending its reliance on renewable electricity as a key component of Currently, Sunraysia Solar are yet to obtain R1 maintaining Climate Active certified carbon registration for the Project. Decmil confirms it neutral operations,” Mr Irvine said. is continuing to support Sunraysia Solar with its R1 registration process, including the “Going into the summer months, we want performance of additional testing and consumers to crack open a cold Furphy, XXXX modelling. GOLD, Tooheys New, Little Creatures, Kosciuszko, or any of the fantastic beverages
Page 14 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) in our portfolio and know that they represent emissions will be offset through a portfolio of Lion’s long-term pledge to do the right thing verified projects focusing on bush by the environment,” Mr Irvine said. regeneration and conservation projects that both cut carbon emissions and protect vital “Lion is now proudly pulling every carbon habitat and food sources for native wildlife.” abatement lever available. Not only have we committed to sourcing all our electricity from Lion will announce its carbon offset projects renewable sources to lower our emissions, through Tasman Environmental Management but we are offsetting our remaining early in 2020. organisational footprint to put us in a carbon neutral position. Sustainability is important to Lion. We believe that working in a responsible and sustainable “We have been on this journey for quite some way is a force for good – for our people, our time, but speed is of the essence in environment, and our society. addressing climate change. While we work towards our 2025 renewable electricity Source: Lion Beers target, in the meantime our remaining
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