WATTS NEWS Week ending 6 August 2021
Juwi to construct ground breaking solar hybrid project for TransAlta at BHP’s Nickel deliver this ground-breaking project. I would like to thank the entire team for their West Sites contribution.” 30 July Dave Manning, Director Global Hybrid at juwi juwi has already achieved remarkable success said “This groundbreaking hybrid project with for mining clients globally with the world’s first Transalta for BHP is the next important utility scale solar battery hybrid project at the milestone for renewable energy. Not only does DeGrussa Copper mine. This was followed by the project feature spatially distributed solar Agnew Gold in 2019 and another six utility power generation, cloud forecasting and the scale hybrid projects currently under latest juwi Hybrid IQ technology, but also construction: Esperance, Sukari, Pan African demonstrates that our solutions are now part Resources, Jacinth Ambrosia, Jabiru and of Tier 1 mining operations. Supplying hybrid Gruyere. With TransAlta at BHP’s Nickel West renewable power unlocks several benefits for Site, juwi will provide a new benchmark of West Australian mines. The resources industry power systems for mines in Australia and shows leadership in technology and internationally. decarbonisation, while reducing cash operating costs and fuel price risks.” Since the founding of the company in 1996, juwi has, in sum, built over 5,400 MW of wind The solar system designed by juwi maximises and solar projects in more than 25 countries. generation with bifacial solar PV modules and a single axis tracking system, taking advantage Source: juwi Australia of the high irradiance in WA. Juwi Hybrid IQ micro-grid technology will enable the integration of the solar and battery system into the existing off-grid network and support the Genesis Energy and Tilt operation of the existing power station. Renewables announce Cameron Garnsworthy, Managing Director, Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm juwi Australia comments: “Our proven track record with hybrid designs and project delivery Offtake Agreement in locations with some of the world’s best solar 2 August resources enable our clients to drive down Genesis Energy and Tilt Renewables have cash operating costs with maximized executed a conditional 20-year electricity throughput and reliability. The collaboration offtake agreement that will provide the with TransAlta and its forward-looking experts foundation for the construction of the 75MW has been crucial for the closure of the project. Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm located near We are glad also to work with TransAlta to Dargaville, Northland.
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The two companies partnered in a similar way development of more renewable energy for for the 133MW Waipipi windfarm in South the New Zealand market. The Kaiwaikawe Taranaki which was delivered on time despite Wind Farm, which will be owned and operated the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain by Tilt Renewables, is located approximately and on-site construction activities. It became 12km northwest of Dargaville in Northland and fully operational in March and is expected to is an ideal location for a windfarm due to its produce approximately 455GWh of renewable wind resource, appropriate environmental generation each year. footprint, construction characteristics and proximity to the transmission network. The Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm (previously known as the Omamari Wind Farm), is expected to be It is also well located in a region of Northland completed by early 2024 and supports Genesis’ that will benefit greatly from the development Future-gen strategy to economically displace of additional utility scale generation close to baseload thermal generation with 2,650GWh key load centres. It will be powered by up to 19 per annum of new renewable electricity by turbines utilising some of the latest turbine 2030. technology to maximise efficiency and production. “The partnership between Genesis and Tilt Renewables has changed the face of the Resource consents for the project are electricity market in New Zealand and we are progressing with a hearing scheduled for happy to see this next project from our August 2021 and a decision is expected later in pipeline be included in Genesis’ Future-gen the year. It is expected to create between 70 – strategy,” says Deion Campbell, Tilt 80 jobs during construction. Renewables CEO. New Zealand has 18 operating wind farms with The Kaiwaikawe Windfarm will reduce carbon a capacity of 820 megawatts. Genesis’ Hau Nui emissions from Genesis’ thermal generation by (te reo Māori for "big wind") was the first wind an estimated 180,000 tonnes per annum. It is farm built in New Zealand and this year marked the first confirmed project of an RFP process its 25th anniversary of operation. It is a 15- that Genesis has been conducting with more turbine wind farm located in South Wairarapa. announcements due. Tilt Renewables already owns and operates wind farms in New Zealand at Tararua (134 Marc England, Genesis CEO, said it is another turbines, 161MW), Mahinerangi (12 turbines, proof point for the Future-gen strategy and the 36MW) and Waipipi (31 turbines, 133MW). company’s commitment to empowering New Zealand’s sustainable future. Tilt Renewables has grown to be one of the leading developers, owners and operators of “The Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm will help us renewable generation assets in Australia and deliver on both the Future-gen targets and our New Zealand. commitment to remove at least 1.2m tonnes of annual carbon emissions by 2025,” England On the 23rd July 2021, the High Court of New said. Zealand approved the sale of Tilt Renewables to a consortium of Powering Australian “We understand the role Genesis has to play in Renewables (PowAR) and Mercury NZ Limited the country’s transition to a low carbon future (Mercury). The sale is expected to be and are looking at other renewable completed on the 3rd August 2021 with opportunities including new solar, wind and Mercury acquiring Tilt Renewables New geothermal generation.” Zealand assets including the Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm. In October 2018, Genesis and Tilt Renewables formed a strategic relationship for the
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Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm (KWF) Project and First power produced at Arrangement Disclosure: - Total capacity: ~75MW Utilising up to 19 wind Turitea Wind Farm turbines 2 August - Energy Production: ~230GWh pa Expected Mercury, together with contractors Vestas and average annual energy production, with Downer NZ, celebrated a key point of progress Genesis purchasing all energy produced by when power was generated by a turbine at the KWF Turitea Wind Farm for the first time. - Offtake Term: 20 years The term of the offtake agreement is 20 years, in addition to “This is the first turbine of the sixty to stand on generation volume during commissioning this hill and generate renewable electricity for - Offtake Price: Reset 10 years An agreed more New Zealand homes and businesses,” offtake starting price over the first 10 years said Chief Executive Vince Hawksworth. with regular market resets for the last 10 years - Construction: 100% Responsibility of KWF “Renewable electricity is the key to unlocking Financial Close is expected to be reached by New Zealand’s decarbonisation ambitions. The ~mid-2022 construction of Turitea, and the pipeline of - Commercial Operations Target: commercial renewable generation to come is a billion operations date early 2024 dollar-plus commitment to our future by the - Offer & Dispatch: 100% Responsibility of renewable energy sector.” KWF. - Transmission: KWF will be connected at 66kV Mercury is set to significantly expand its wind to Mangataupere (MPE) via the Dargaville portfolio when it acquires the New Zealand substation owned by Northpower operations of Tilt Renewables (five New - Operations: 100% Responsibility of KWF Zealand wind farms and a pipeline of consented and other development sites). The Source: Genesis Energy acquisition is expected to complete on 3 August 2021, subject to the final conditions of the Scheme being satisfied. PROJECT NEWS While wind generation may be variable hour to Uungula Wind Farm hour, on average it provides a reliable source CWP Renewables’ Uungula Wind Farm to be of energy to support hydro storage. Mercury’s located on agricultural land approximately 14 Hydro System on the Waikato River can be km east of Wellington in NSW has been managed to respond to fluctuations in wind approved by the federal Department of output. Agriculture, Water & the Environment with conditions. The proposed 97-turbine, 400 MW “Wind power is a natural fit with Mercury’s project must adhere to conditions to minimise renewable generation portfolio, increasing the impacts and compensate for residual impacts efficiency of our portfolio to provide more of the action on EPBC Act listed threatened sustainable, reliable electricity to New species and ecological communities including Zealanders,” said Mr Hawksworth. Box Gum Grassy Woodland and potential Koala, Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot and Since ground was broken at Turitea on the Superb Parrot habitat. CWP Renewables is $464m project in October 2019 the majority of aiming to begin construction this year and local the turbines in the northern section have been contractors and service providers are installed, along with significant earthworks and encouraged to register their interest for roading. A dedicated substation (Turitea supplying goods and services on the project North) built on site went live last month. The website at https://cwprenewables.com/our- 60 turbines across the full Turitea Wind Farm projects/uungula-wind-farm will generate up to 840GWh per annum
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(powering the equivalent of 375,000 electric verification for the realization of a large-scale vehicles). supply of cost-competitive hydrogen.
“As the Engineering, Procurement and As a part of these initiatives, ENEOS plans to Construction contractor for Turitea Wind conduct a study for collaboration with a local Farm, Vestas is proud to work with Mercury company in Australia to build a supply chain for and our subcontractors. It has taken over two an affordable and stable supply of CO2-free years of construction, planning and expertise hydrogen (green hydrogen) produced from by the contractors in a dynamic environment renewable energy. This will be achieved by to energize this first turbine, and now utilizing Australia's excellent potential for cost- congratulations are due to all the parties competitive hydrogen production due to its involved in the project”, said Kenn Wood, favorable climate conditions, including wind Vestas Senior Project Manager. and sunlight, and expansive land.
“We are delighted to celebrate this important Neoen is one of the world's leading milestone for our customer. Our expert team independent renewable energy power on the ground, and our project partners, have producers with more than 2 GW of renewable navigated through some challenging terrain to energy generation in operation or under lay the wind farm’s foundations and roads, as construction in Australia. In South Australia, well as constructing the transmission the company is currently developing two substation and associated circuits,” said James pioneering projects—the Goyder Renewables Kafanelis, Downer NZ Executive General Zone and Crystal Brook Energy Park. These Manager - Utilities. projects combine wind, solar and battery storage to provide a firm renewable energy Source: Mercury power supply—overcoming the limitations of wind or solar only projects.
In the study*, the two companies will jointly ENEOS begins joint study with examine the potential for the stable supply of affordable hydrogen produced from Neoen for development of a renewable energy in South Australia. Japan-Australia CO2-free Specifically, Neoen will study stable renewable energy supply and water electrolysis cells for hydrogen supply chain in hydrogen production. ENEOS will be South Australia responsible for more efficient production of 2 August methylcyclohexane (MCH) and maritime ENEOS Corporation (President: Ota Katsuyuki; transport of MCH as a form of hydrogen “ENEOS”) announces that it has concluded a storage and transport from Australia to Japan. memorandum with Neoen Australia Pty Ltd. (“Neoen” hereinafter) to conduct a study on a South Australia is one of the most developed potential business collaboration for the regions in the world in terms of battery storage construction of a CO2-free hydrogen supply infrastructure. In addition, the state chain between Japan and Australia. government is promoting development of next-generation energy industries, including In anticipation of a hydrogen-oriented society hydrogen and ammonia, and planning toward decarbonization, ENEOS is striving to expansion of facilities at its leading port, which develop a CO2-free hydrogen supply chain in is expected to be used as the base for hydrogen Japan and overseas. Outside Japan, the wide export to Japan. range of alliances in Australia, Middle East and Asia are being utilized to implement
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The two companies will actively utilize PROJECT NEWS government support, including the Green Susan River Solar Farm Innovation Fund in Japan and the hydrogen Elliott Green Power (EGP) today received hub project in Australia, to achieve early approval from the Fraser Coast Shire Council to development of a CO2-free hydrogen supply develop a 50MW/100MWh battery at its Susan chain between Japan and Australia. River Solar Farm, located between
Maryborough and Hervey Bay in south-east This initiative is consistent with United Nations Queensland. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7.
Affordable and clean energy, 11. Sustainable The 95 MW solar farm became operational in cities and communities, and 13. Climate action. late 2018. ENEOS is contributing to the realization of a low-carbon, recycling-oriented society through Susan River SF is one of three EGP Australian the promotion of hydrogen use, including the assets up for sale as a package, together with joint study with Neoen. the 132 MW Nevertire Solar Farm located in
north-west New South Wales and the 75 MW *Overview of the CO2-free hydrogen supply Childers Solar Farms in south-east Queensland. chain and the scope of joint study with Neoen
1. Manufacturing green hydrogen from Including the Susan River battery, EGP now has renewable-energy-derived power through council approval for 75 MW/150 MWh of water utility scale batteries in south-east QLD after electrolysis in Australia the Childers Solar Farm battery was approved 2. Conversion of manufactured hydrogen into last month. MCH, a form of efficient hydrogen storage and transport EGP is continuing to develop a 50 MW/10 3. Maritime transport of MCH to Japan by MWh battery at the Nevertire Solar Farm tankers which is currently progressing through its 4. Receipt, storage and dehydrogenation of approvals according to a source close to EGP. MCH at ENEOS refineries and supply of hydrogen Childers Solar Farm, south of Bundaberg, was for industrial use at nearby thermal power completed in 2019 while the Nevertire Solar plants, steel refineries, etc. Farm located near Warren was completed in 5. Toluene separated in the dehydrogenation Q1 2020. process is returned to Australia for repeat use as EGP’s three projects are designed to deliver a a raw material in MCH production. total of 300 MW of solar power, or 570 GWh of
green power per year, which is enough ENEOS's existing petroleum-related electricity to power the equivalent of around infrastructure, including tankers, storage tanks 80,000 homes across south-east Queensland and dehydrogenation facilities, can be utilized and north-west New South Wales. in the CO2-free hydrogen supply chain, enabling development of a new energy supply system while curbing new investment.
Source: ENEOS
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Vestas wins 58 MW order for This project is located in the proximity of Crookwell 1 which was the first wind farm to wind project in Australia be established in New South Wales when 3 August commissioned in 1998. Successfully operating In partnership with Global Power Generation, today, the 5 MW project features 8 of Vestas' a subsidiary of the multinational power V44-600 kW wind turbines. company Naturgy Group, Vestas has secured a 58 MW deal for Crookwell 3 Wind Farm in New Source: Vestas South Wales, Australia. The project will feature 16 V126-3.45 MW wind turbines in 3.6 MW operating mode which Vestas will supply and install. Mercury acquires Tilt Upon completion, Vestas will also deliver a 15- Renewables’ New Zealand year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM operations 5000) service agreement. This agreement will 3 August optimise energy production while also Mercury NZ Limited (Mercury) has acquired providing long-term business case certainty. Tilt Renewables’ New Zealand operations
today, after completing the Scheme "As the largest installer and maintainer of wind Implementation Agreement (SIA) signed in turbines, both globally and nationally, we are March between Mercury, Powering Australian pleased that customers like Global Power Renewables (PowAR) and Tilt Renewables. Generation (Naturgy Group) continue to choose our leading technology, market - Five operating wind farms (Tararua I, II & III; experience and broad service solutions," said Mahinerangi; Waipipi) and development Purvin Patel, President of Vestas Asia Pacific. options including in Manawatū, Northland,
Otago and Southland "Global Power Generation (Naturgy Group) is a - Enterprise valuation of NZ$797m globally valued customer to Vestas," said Peter - Funded from the sale of Mercury’s 19.9% Tilt Cowling, Head of Vestas Australia and New shareholding, worth NZ$608m and net debt of Zealand. "We look forward to championing NZ$189m their ambitious vision of sustainability in
Australia through the successful delivery of The SIA was originally entered into on 14 Crookwell 3 Wind Farm, and our remaining March 2021 and was amended on 16 April. projects which are currently in progress". Under the scheme, Mercury has now taken
ownership of the New Zealand assets and "Once again, Global Power Generation is very PowAR has taken ownership of Tilt’s Australian pleased to partner with Vestas as OEM and assets. long-term maintenance provider for Crookwell
3 Wind Farm," said Pedro Serrano, Chief “The purchase of five operating wind farms Business Development Officer, Global Power from Tilt Renewables Limited means that Generation (Naturgy Group). Mercury will become one of New Zealand’s
largest wind power companies,” says Mercury Delivery of the wind turbines is expected to Chief Executive Vince Hawksworth. “Today’s occur in the second quarter of 2022, with acquisition provides Mercury with fuel and commissioning to commence in the fourth plant diversity and adds over 1,100GWh to our quarter of 2022. annual generation production.”
Crookwell 3 Wind Farm is set to power approximately 40,000 homes and create around 95 jobs during its construction.
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Wind power is a natural fit to Mercury’s New compliance and portfolio of renewable geothermal and hydro generation. Mercury’s Hydro System on the enforcement priorities now Waikato River can be managed to respond well available to compensate for fluctuations in wind output, 3 August and while wind generation may be variable The Clean Energy Regulator (the agency) has hour to hour, on average it provides a reliable published its Compliance and Enforcement source of energy to support hydro storage. Priorities for 2021-2022. Mercury’s Turitea Wind Farm is under construction and last week sent its first The priorities set out where the agency will be generation to the grid. focusing its compliance and enforcement activities for the year ahead. They target a This efficient use of our portfolio will enable number of areas of actual and potential non- further decarbonisation of New Zealand’s compliance that pose a high risk to the electricity generation, and the development integrity of the programs administered by the sites add further future development options agency. to Mercury’s consented Puketoi wind farm site in the Manawatū. These priorities apply to participants across all agency schemes including the Small-scale “Mercury enthusiastically endorses New Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the Large- Zealand’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET), the 2050, and we have a pipeline of new Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), the National renewable generation waiting in the wings, Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) subject to the right economic and market scheme and the Safeguard Mechanism. conditions,” Mr Hawksworth says. The agency takes non-compliance, fraud and other criminality seriously, and will actively Yesterday Tilt Renewables and Genesis Energy pursue scheme participants who break the law. announced a conditional 20-year electricity offtake agreement that will provide the The agency is committed to administering its foundation for the construction of the 75MW programs in a transparent and accountable Kaiwaikawe Wind Farm located near manner. This includes helping participants to Dargaville, one of the development sites understand the rules so they can comply with included in today’s acquisition. their obligations, educating those who want to do the right thing, and deterring, detecting and “This arrangement shows the market working responding to non-compliance. The Clean to further decarbonise New Zealand’s energy Energy Regulator also works in partnership supply by supporting the reduction of thermal with other agencies and stakeholders to generation,” Mr Hawksworth says. enhance the integrity of our schemes.
“We’re also committed to ensuring that supply For more information, please visit remains reliable as thermal generation is the Compliance and enforcement phased out, which may involve new priorities page, technologies and innovation.” email [email protected] or call 1300 553 542 Source: Mercury Source: Clean Energy Regulator
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New projects to accelerate The Government will continue to assess a further two network investment projects - the Victoria’s Renewable Energy Mortlake Turn-in, and the Western Victorian Zones Transmission Network Uprate which is also 3 August subject to an Environment Effects Statement The Andrews Labor Government has process currently underway. announced six new major energy projects across regional Victoria, that will prepare our VicGrid, a new body which has been grid for the unprecedented load of renewable established as a Division within the energy in the pipeline. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, will oversee investment decisions Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate related to the $540 million REZ Fund. VicGrid Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the Stage One will continue to evolve, following further projects of the $540 million Renewable Energy stakeholder consultation, to coordinate the Zones (REZs) will make it easier for new future development of Victoria’s REZs. projects to be connected to Victoria’s grid — signalling to developers Victoria is ready for The development of Victoria’s REZs will unlock new solar and wind projects. more than 200 megawatts of new clean energy, while also creating jobs in regional Currently Victoria has its strongest energy Victoria, boosting energy reliability and infrastructure in the Latrobe Valley, where coal affordability, and strengthening our network fire power has historically been concentrated. for the future. For more information visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable- However, Victoria has significant natural energy/renewable-energy-zones. resources – wind and sunshine – found along the windy Southwest coast, and Western Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Victoria, as well as the sunny North-west. Environment and Climate Change Lily These transmission and energy upgrades will D’Ambrosio improve and modernise the energy grid in “These projects are an investment in unlocking these areas, so more renewables can flow the next wave of renewable energy across through Victoria. Victoria. They will ensure we have the transmission needed to harness the sunshine These six projects include three pieces of and wind across Victoria.” infrastructure that will work like ‘shock “This is a clear signal to investors that Victoria absorbers’ to smooth out higher and lower is open for business, and ready for new wind rates of energy flowing through the lines, and solar projects that create jobs and making it easier for renewable energy to enter opportunities in local communities across the grid. Victoria.”
There are also three projects that will upgrade Source: Victoria Government the transmission network, to increase the capacity of existing lines, so they can carry higher energy loads, pumping more NEW PROJECTS renewables across Victoria. Maoneng planning three new
The Labor Government has commissioned the big batteries Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to The Maoneng Group has submitted scoping seek tenders for the six projects, which will reports for three new rural battery energy modernise Victoria’s electricity grid and unlock storage system projects to the NSW new renewable energy investment. Department of Planning, Industry & Environment. The projects are being
Page 8 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) developed to provide reliability and security to Fortescue Future Industries the network during peak periods. signs collaboration agreement The proposed Tamworth BESS is a 200 MW regarding a potential large /400 MWh utility-scale battery storage project located southeast of the township. The scale renewable green proposed project site has been selected due to hydrogen plant in New Zealand its proximity to State-significant electrical 3 August infrastructure – including the adjacent Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has signed a Tamworth Substation which has capacity to collaboration agreement with Murihiku Hapu accept up to 200 MW of energy from the BESS of Ngāi Tahu, that will see them working – and its low environmental sensitivity and lack together to assess and potentially develop a of locational constraints. large scale, renewable green hydrogen production project in Southland, New Zealand. The proposed Armidale BESS is a 150 MW /300 MWh utility-scale battery storage project The project proposes construction of a large- located southeast of the township. The scale hydrogen plant in Southland which aims proposed project site has been selected due to to achieve first production in early 2025, with its proximity to the adjacent Armidale potential for multiple stages of expansion in Substation which has capacity to accept up to future. The project is subject to an initial 150 MW of energy from the BESS. assessment process and an investment decision by the Board of Fortescue Metals The Lismore BESS project includes the Group Ltd and New Zealand Investor Boards. construction and operation of a battery energy storage system with an estimated capacity of FFI Chief Executive Officer Julie Shuttleworth approximately 100 MW / 200 MWh and AM said, “FFI’s goal is to become the world’s associated infrastructure located leading fully renewable energy and green approximately 12km southwest of Lismore. products company.
Allison Hawke, Director of Renewables “Our work with Murihiku Hapu as Development at Maoneng, said “We are representatives of Ngāi Tahu during the early expecting that both the Tamworth and days of this project demonstrates an alignment Armidale Battery Energy Storage System of our respective values and a common vision projects will follow a similar schedule, for Southland’s and New Zealand’s potential although this could be subject to change as role in leading a green hydrogen transition. We they progress. Right now we’re looking at a believe our whanaungatanga will ensure a public exhibition period in November and successful future outcome for all New December this year, and potential DA approval Zealanders. around April to May next year. We’re then “FFI recognises, respects and upholds the planning to start construction in early 2023 and principles of The Treaty of Waitangi. We have that finished late the same year.” recognise Murihiku Hapu’s mana whenua of Southland and greatly value their guidance and Maoneng said its BESS portfolio will improve contribution to the future success of this reliability and stability of the network by project.” drawing energy from the grid during off-peak periods for battery storage, and dispatching Murihiku Upoko, Tā Tipene O’Regan said, “This energy to the grid during peak periods when project could be one of the world’s first large it’s most needed. This process helps overcome scale green hydrogen facilities, powered by the intermittency of renewable generation and existing and new renewable energy counter the loss of synchronous generation, in generation. We hope to support greater New turn helping to regulate electricity pricing.” Zealand wide renewable generation
Page 9 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) investment, while at the same time Under an expanded remit, ARENA is now able contributing to the management of New to support a broader range of technologies to Zealand’s dry-year risk. Despite being a advance the priorities of the Government’s regional opportunity, this project will be Technology Investment Roadmap. developed in New Zealand’s national interest. These reforms are about bringing a portfolio of “The project could enable the creation of a hub technologies to commercial parity so we can for hydrogen innovation in New Zealand and reduce emissions across every sector of the provide significant economic growth through economy, without destroying jobs or imposing regional and national hydrogen industry job taxes or new costs on households, businesses creation, as well as diversifying and broadening and industry. New Zealand’s skilled workforce. To achieve this goal, the Government will “FFI’s global hydrogen industry leadership and invest $20 billion in new energy technologies Fortescue’s successful track record of by 2030, to drive at least $80 billion of total partnering and collaborating to develop large public and private investment over the decade. scale, complex capital projects, makes working This investment will support at least 160,000 alongside them an exciting prospect.” new jobs.
Murihiku Regeneration Programme Director, Since 2012, ARENA has supported 586 projects Terry Nicholas said, “The FFI and Murihiku with $1.7 billion in grant funding, unlocking Regeneration team will be sharing further $6.92 billion of total investment in renewable information with Murihiku and Ngai Tahu energy. Through the 2020-21 Budget, the Whānui and also the wider Southland Government provided ARENA with $1.6 billion community as we progress this project. We are in new funding to enable the agency to play a actively engaging across many areas to new and expanded role in supporting the understand and share in the opportunities this Roadmap’s five priority technologies. project will provide.” ARENA will now play a major role in driving Source: Fortescue Future Industries investments in the next generation of technologies, including energy efficiency, carbon capture technologies, including CCUS and negative emissions technologies, blue Government gets on with the hydrogen (clean hydrogen from gas using CCS), energy storage technologies to back up job of supporting the next renewable energy and soil carbon. generation of low emissions The regulatory change also allows ARENA to technologies implement $192.5 million of programs in the 4 August 2020-21 Budget, including: The Morrison Government’s reforms to the - $67.9 million to support for heavy vehicle fuel Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) efficiency and industrial energy efficiency to support the next generation of low - $71.9 million to support hydrogen and emissions technologies have been supported electric vehicle infrastructure as part of the by the Australian Parliament. Government’s Future Fuels Fund - $52.6 million to support microgrids for The Government has defeated a motion of regional Australia disallowance supported by Labor and the Greens after they did a deal to abandon clean These programs are estimated to create 1,400 tech and blue-collar jobs. direct and indirect jobs and support more affordable and reliable power in regional
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Australia, new transport infrastructure and by leading and investing together to attain the increase the competitiveness of energy- best deal and support the region’s transition to intensive industries. renewable energy.
Expanding ARENA’s remit to unlock the “As a group we are looking forward to transformative low emissions technologies receiving proposals from existing and new that businesses need was a recommendation wind energy developments and entering into a of the King Review. long-term arrangement with a project that will help contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy The Government’s Technology Investment and emissions reduction targets and Roadmap and Low Emissions Technology contribute to creating new jobs and further Statements is doing just this, with support of developing the renewable energy sector,” Ms agencies like ARENA. Slatter said.
We look forward to getting on with the job, “This initiative will be a major step in reducing including supporting ARENA’s expanded role carbon emissions and will help each of the into energy efficiency, hydrogen, carbon participating organisations offset rising energy capture technologies, energy storage for costs, which in turn will help to reduce renewables, soil carbon technology and operating costs.” emissions reduction technologies for aluminium and steel. GeelongPort Chief Executive Officer Brett Winter said investing in clean energy Source: Federal Government opportunities was essential for tackling climate change and GeelongPort was excited to be partnering with leading organisations such as Barwon Water and Barwon Health to support Barwon Region Renewable the development of renewable energy facilities in our region. Energy Project seeking wind power agreement Barwon Health Chief Executive Frances Diver said it was an exciting and innovative project 4 August that would help Barwon Health meet emission Geelong-based organisations Barwon Water, reduction targets and demonstrate the Barwon Health and GeelongPort have joined benefits of regional collaboration across the forces to transition towards 100 per cent public sector. renewable electricity and zero net emissions through a newly formed Barwon Region The PPA is proposed to operate from late- Renewable Energy Project (BRREP) collective. 2022 through to 2032.
The BRREP is about to launch a Request for The RFP will be available online at Buying for Proposal (RFP) from renewable energy project Victoria developers for provision of 68 gigawatt hours (https://www.buyingfor.vic.gov.au/browse- a year of renewable electricity via a virtual tenders) in August. An information session will Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). be held a couple of weeks later to provide
further information. The collective is seeking competitive offers to enter into a 10-year virtual PPA with a wind For further information and enquiries relating energy facility generating electricity into the to the BRREP initiative, please contact Tiburce grid, preferably in South-West Victoria. Blanchy of Adour Pty Ltd on 0418 536 186.
Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Source: BRREP Slatter said the collective was being proactive
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Engineering the future – inverters, including connecting IBR in weak grids, supporting system security, island application of advanced grid- operation, and system restart. scale inverters 4 August “To realise the potential of this technology, we AEMO has published an Engineering need to quickly come together as an industry Framework ‘white paper’ to help fast track the to prioritise the time and resources needed to deployment of advanced inverter capabilities prove this technology at scale and support an to support Australia’s future power system effective transition,” said Mr Davies. with reduced synchronous generation, such as coal-fired generation. Developed as part of AEMO’s Engineering Framework, the paper sets out clear The Application of Advanced Grid-scale Inverters recommendations for immediate action to in the NEM paper also outlines how the shift capture the opportunities of advanced from synchronous generation towards inverter- inverters: based resources (IBR) is changing the way we - Enable connection of grid-forming projects – must – as an industry – plan for the secure to enable testing and demonstration of grid- operation of the National Electricity Market. forming projects at scale, a pathway is needed to enable secure and timely connection of This includes AEMO working with industry to these projects. engineer a power system capable of running at - Define necessary capabilities – an absence of 100% instantaneous penetration of renewable clear specifications makes it challenging for energy, including grid-scale solar, wind, hydro, developers to specify their requirements to biomass and rooftop PV. design inverter offerings. Clear definitions need to be established to assist delivery of AEMO Manager of Future Energy Systems, solutions that meet power system Chris Davies, said the paper focusses on the requirements. potential of advanced grid-scale inverter - Enabling capabilities on new grid-scale technology to support the operation of the batteries – further funding and support is NEM as the penetration of IBR increases, needed to assist as many new grid-scale particularly through the use of grid-forming battery deployments as possible to capabilities that can help stabilise the grid. incorporate grid-forming capabilities, to build “The NEM is undergoing a once-in-a-lifetime a fleet that can support the transition to high transition from synchronous generation, such IBR penetration by 2025. as thermal and hydro, to variable inverter- based renewable generation,” Mr Davies said. Further collaboration with stakeholders will be needed to develop effective pathways toward “When offline or decommissioned, the application of advanced inverters and synchronous generators can no longer provide AEMO continues to work with industry to the critical system stability capabilities that the identify additional priority actions needed to grid relies on, requiring these capabilities be prepare the future power system. provided by different technologies. To get in touch with AEMO regarding the “AEMO has been working with stakeholders to contents of this white paper, to seek more understand the potential of grid-forming information about how to engage in upcoming inverters to address many of the challenges engagements for the Engineering Framework, facing the future power system,” he said. or to sign up to AEMO’s Engineering Framework mailing list, please contact AEMO Deep collaboration with industry stakeholders at [email protected]. informed the paper, helping AEMO identify four key areas of application for advanced Source: AEMO
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QIC deepens investment in “PowAR has already established itself as a successful renewable energy owner and renewable energy through operator, and with the strategic addition of Tilt Powar’s acquisition of Tilt to cement its position as Australia’s largest renewable energy generation platform, it is Renewables well-positioned for future growth.” 4 August QIC has further increased its investment in PowAR is a partnership between the QIC decarbonisation and energy transition through Global Infrastructure Fund and its co-investors, Powering Australian Renewables (PowAR), which include Aware Super, Hostplus, which has completed the acquisition of the TelstraSuper, MLC, and LGIASuper (together Australian business of Tilt Renewables, further QGIF), the Future Fund and AGL Energy Limited strengthening PowAR’s position as Australia’s (AGL). largest renewable energy generation platform1. QIC’s global infrastructure footprint includes 21 assets in six countries across the energy and Through the acquisition of Tilt, the PowAR utilities, transport, and social/PPP sectors. business will own more than 1,300MW of operational renewable energy capacity across 1Source: Australian Energy Infrastructure nine geographically diverse wind and solar Commissioner 2021 Ecogeneration maps for generation assets. wind and solar
This significant transaction also provides Source: QIC PowAR with a high-quality development pipeline, which at over 3,500MW, will see PowAR play a leading role in the decarbonisation of the Australian energy market. Next Climate Change action plan and review of Act Ross Israel, QIC’s Head of Global Infrastructure, 4 August said: “This is another demonstration of QIC's Tasmania is a leader in climate change and we deep energy sector capability driven by our have achieved our net zero emissions target in sector centric, thematic-based investment six of the last seven years and also the last five strategy. years in a row.
“It also evidences our ability to secure strong The four-yearly statutory independent review bolt-on acquisitions to drive value for our of the Act and our target is well underway, and existing QIC Global Infrastructure Fund (QGIF) we are developing Tasmania’s next whole-of- portfolio together with providing co- government climate change action plan. investment opportunities for our investors. Over 250 Tasmanians, community, research “The acquisition of this significant business in and industry organisations participated in the highly sought-after sector of renewable consultation earlier this year and I want to energy will allow our clients to capitalise on the thank all who took part. strong forecast demand for sustainable energy generation in Australia. Today I am releasing the “What We Heard” Report and the Youth Consultation Report which summarises the feedback on our next climate action plan.
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A key message from Tasmanians, is that our NQ businesses wanted for existing target of net zero emissions by 2050 – the same as a number of our mainland peers – Genex project could be more ambitious, given our emissions 4 August reduction performance. Powerlink Queensland will soon start work to deliver the grid connection for Genex’s Clean Many of the more than 250 individuals and Energy Hub and will be hosting a virtual organisations that the Independent Review contractor briefing alongside principal heard from proposed a range of targets from contractor UGL on Monday, August 9 from maintaining net zero emissions including from 5.30pm to 7pm. now to 2030, 2035 or 2040. However I have been very clear that any target must be based Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen in both science and economics, which is why Mick de Brenni encouraged businesses from the Government commissioned economic Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Townsville analysis which it is currently considering on regions to take advantage of the Government’s what a more ambitious target could look like, Buy Queensland procurement approach and and its impact on our economy and jobs. join the forum.
Importantly, the analysis shows that more “A key part of our COVID-19 economic ambitious targets, are both achievable and recovery plan is Queensland Government credible, and continue to grow our economy investment in renewable energy and the local and create more jobs, over and above business jobs that come with it,” Mr de Brenni said. as usual. “For Genex’s Clean Energy Hub to safely and The Government is sensibly working through efficiently provide clean energy to the North, this and consulting further, with a view to we’re looking for a range of trades and releasing the review of the Act, the new target, professions to support construction of the new and our new action plan, later this year, as we transmission line. work to secure our future. “From road building to vegetation Also today, I am releasing the final Report Card management, all the way down to snake bite for Climate Action 21, our first climate action training, it’s going to take entire towns to get plan, which concluded earlier this year and these 340 towers off the ground to connect demonstrates that the vast majority of actions this 186km line from Mount Fox to Kidston.” have been completed or are being progressed. With Queensland commencing construction of All reports are available at: its three Renewable Energy Zones starting in www.climatechange.tas.gov.au the north, Aaron Harper, local MP for Thuringowa in Townsville, applauded the Source: Tasmania Government training opportunities for those wanting to work on Queensland’s renewable energy revolution that this project will offer.
“I’m pleased that Principal Contractor UGL will create opportunities for apprentices and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers on this project, consistent with our Buy Queensland procurement approach,” Mr Harper said.
“Construction of this new 275kV transmission line from Mount Fox to Kidston really marks a
Page 14 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) new era of transmission for North Queensland to attend the virtual contractor briefing by and the job opportunities that come with it. visiting www.powerlink.com.au/genex. A recording of the forum will also be made “Our $147 million investment will support available. Powerlink to build the transmission line and create 400 local jobs in the process, which is Source: Powerlink terrific news for North Queensland.
“Over the next five years the Palaszczuk Government will be delivering $700 million GSEO commits AU$95m to worth of transmission work in North Queensland as more renewable generators Australian Energy Transition connect into our network, bringing us closer to 4 August 50 per cent renewables by 2030.” - VH Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities plc begins Australian renewable power Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said generation & storage investment programme Powerlink was dedicated to working with UGL in third deal since IPO to maximise local employment and - First tranche involves the acquisition of two procurement opportunities wherever possible operating solar photovoltaic sites in South for the Genex Kidston connection project. Australia and Queensland
“With construction expected to begin in the VH Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities first half of 2022, we are keen to start the plc (“GSEO”) – a London-listed investment conversation with local businesses on ways trust – is pleased to announce a commitment they could support the project,” Mr of AU$95m (£50m) to acquire a portfolio of Simshauser said. distributed solar generation assets with plans to build embedded battery storage capacity. “We hope to talk to North Queenslanders in The commitment will be split into two person later this year once the situation with deployment tranches the first of which will be COVID-19 is more stable.” for AU$28m (£15m).
UGL’s Managing Director Doug Moss said UGL The first tranche involves the acquisition of was looking forward to engaging with local two operating solar photovoltaic (“PV”) sites, contractors, suppliers and employees. totalling 17MW DC, in South Australia and Queensland, where there are opportunities to “This contractor and supplier briefing is a support the Energy Transition utilising energy fantastic opportunity for local vendors to get storage. A critical part of the investment to know UGL and for us to meet with them, strategy will be to help stabilize the grid and albeit virtually for now. We’re committed to decrease the curtailment of renewable power engaging with local contractors, suppliers and generation by adding 1 to 2hr battery storage employees to help deliver this critical capacity at each site. The deployment infrastructure for the region,” Mr Moss said. programme will continue to extend across the country and focus on remote sites that are “We’ll provide information about the types of typically located close to clusters of contracts we’ll be looking to award, and how commercial and industrial consumers. The aim we can help potential suppliers and vendors in of the strategy is to provide greater access to preparing for the tender process.” clean and dependable energy in remote load centres while helping accelerate the Energy Local businesses interested in learning more Transition in Australia. about opportunities to become involved in the Genex Kidston connection project can register
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Both initial solar PV generation assets combine Birdwood Energy team see this partnership as merchant sales and long-term corporate PPA an important example of fast-tracking revenues as well as Large-scale Generation investment into distributed energy to unlock Certificates (“LGCs”). In addition, investors will the transition to a net zero economy. The also benefit from revenues stemming from Australian market is ripe to benefit from profitable energy arbitrage opportunities and additional flexibility by utilising energy frequency services revenues. storage.”
An independent assessment of the project, as To date, approximately 59% of the net per the process, has concluded that it is proceeds raised on IPO have now been compliant with the Company's six relevant committed or deployed. Sustainable Development Goals - goals 3, 7, 8, 9 13 and 17 - and will do no harm in the context Source: VH Global Sustainable Energy of the remaining eleven goals. Opportunities
Victory Hill will be partnering with Birdwood NOTE: When contacted a VH Global Energy which was founded by energy Sustainable Energy Opportunities entrepreneurs Scott McGregor, Leigh Newbery spokesperson said the company was not in a and Graeme Ludlow. The Birdwood team are position to disclose the two projects totalling highly experienced in battery storage and 17 MW DC in South Australia and Queensland. renewable power generation development and operation, with a global track record. They bring world-class expertise in the optimisation of hybrid solar and battery storage systems as MPower appoints renewables well as a network of high quality commercial and industrial customers to enhance the value expert Amy Kean as non- of the portfolio. executive director
5 August The levered return is expected to be ahead of MPower, Australia’s leading specialist the Company’s target annual dividend yield of renewable energy, battery storage and 5% and be in line with its target return of 10%. microgrid business, is pleased to announce the
appointment of Amy Kean as a non-executive Richard Lum, Co-Chief Investment Officer of director, with effect from 1 September 2021. Victory Hill Capital Advisors LLP, adviser to
GSEO, said: “We are very cognisant of the Amy Kean has over 20 years’ experience in the journey which Australians have embarked on renewable energy sector. She currently co- to meet the challenges of addressing climate owns and operates renewable energy advisory change, whilst ensuring that the country firm Stride Renewables which assists clients in benefits from a reliable energy system in which navigating the regulatory, commercial and renewable power generation becomes fully technical challenges to unlock opportunities in integrated. We are thrilled through this renewable energy. In addition, she serves on acquisition, to be part of this strong the board of both LAVO Hydrogen Storage momentum to achieving global sustainable Technology and Blind Creek Solar Farm. energy through investing in the fight against climate change and ensuring energy access for Prior to establishing Stride Renewables, Amy local communities and businesses in was extensively involved in numerous Australia.” initiatives advocating for the use and
investment into renewable energy. This Scott McGregor, CEO of Birdwood Energy, said: includes working for the NSW Government “After decades of experience designing and Department of Planning, Industry and optimising batteries around the world, the Environment as the Renewable Energy
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Advocate, and later as Director of Energy adopt it follows an extensive technical analysis Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies and of various battery types available on the global Energy Programs. She was instrumental in market. developing NSW’s renewable energy zones and the State’s emerging energy programs. LFP batteries have a relatively much higher thermal stability and less dense chemical Amy’s recognition in the field of renewable composition than other varieties prominent in energy has seen her receive the NSW Green utility scale batteries, such as NMC technology, Globe award for Public Sector Leadership, the therefore significantly reducing risks. Energy Minister's Leadership Award, and recognised for services to the Duke of In addition to the batteries, the Mornington Edinburgh Award from HRH Prince Edward, BESS will also have other safety management Earl of Wessex. measures incorporated into its design.
MPower Chairman Peter Wise AM said: “It’s a Among these will be a state-of-the-art fire real coup for MPower to have someone of detection system, plus an advanced fire Amy’s calibre and reputation join our Board. suppression system that operates 24/7 and We are delighted to welcome her to the deploys a condensed aerosol agent to Company and to benefit from her extensive automatically handle any potential hazard in experience across so many aspects of the minutes. renewable energy sector. The fire suppression system is globally proven, “As MPower progresses the roll-out of its Build and used in many critical applications to Own Operate strategy of establishing a suppress fire in the enclosed special hazard portfolio of 5MW renewable energy sites conditions often found in power generation, across the Eastern States of Australia, with battery energy storage, and oil and gas Amy’s appointment, we will now have a projects. broader mix of skills at Board level to advance this program more rapidly and with greater The agent itself is environmentally friendly, insight. We look forward to updating and typically remains suspended in the battery shareholders on our progress very shortly. We container to help prevent reignition. are making very good headway.” Maoneng’s Co-founder and CEO Morris Zhou Source: MPower said that safety was the company’s top priority, and it was important for people to understand how battery technology varied and risks were mitigated. Maoneng puts safety first with “Batteries will play an increasingly important Mornington battery and necessary role as Australia transitions technology decision from traditional energy sources to renewable energy,” he said. 5 August
Australian renewable energy pioneer “LFP technology has a very good safety record, Maoneng has announced that its proposed which is why we have chosen it for the Battery Energy Storage System in Victoria’s Mornington BESS. The batteries will be Mornington Peninsula will use lithium iron supported by other systems to enable a high phosphate (LFP) batteries as a result of their level of confidence in our approach to safety. strong safety performance.
Source: Maoneng Australia LFP technology is used around the world in numerous applications, and the decision to
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Decmil awarded $21m The contract is part of a broader joint venture arrangement with RJE Global, who are windfarm balance of plant undertaking the electrical balance of plant works works for Crookwell 3. The Crookwell 3 Project 5 August is being developed by Global ▪ Civil balance of plant works contract from Power Generation (GPG) and will include GPG for the Crookwell 3 Wind Farm in NSW construction of 16 turbines, providing an ▪ $21m contracted revenue for Decmil, with additional 50 megawatts (MW) of power to the additional options worth a further $2m New South Wales (NSW) energy market via a ▪ Decmil continues to extend its proven track 330-kilovolt transmission line. record in successfully delivering wind farm balance of plant contracts The Crookwell 3 Project follows GPG selecting Decmil to deliver the balance of plant works on Decmil Group Limited (ASX: DCG) (“Decmil” or GPG’s 218MW Ryan Corner Wind Farm in “the Company”) is pleased to announce that it Victoria (see ASX announcement dated 18 has been awarded an engineering, November 2020). That award followed the procurement and construction contract worth successful electrification of the Warradarge up to $23 million, to deliver the civil balance of and Yandin Wind Farms earlier in the 2021 plant works for the Crookwell 3 Wind Farm fiscal year, for which Decmil also completed Project. the balance of plant works.
The contract has a base value of $21 million, Decmil CEO Dickie Dique said “the contract win with exercisable options worth a further $2 was a testament to the Company’s proven million. track record of successfully delivering wind farm projects”. Under the contract, Decmil will be responsible for 16 kilometres of road construction, “This is another contract which illustrates our encompassing both new site access roads and ability to capitalise on the buoyant energy improvements to existing site access roads. sector by securing work with an existing blue- Additionally, the Company will undertake chip client,” Mr Dique said. 116,000 cubic metres of bulk earthworks for hardstands, laydowns, and building pads, as “We look forward to working closely with RJE well as 6,600 cubic metres of concrete in tower and further strengthening our relationship bases. with them, following the continued successful progression of our joint venture at the Ryan Geotechnical investigations have already Corner Wind Farm. commenced, with site work anticipated to commence next month. Completion of the civil “Decmil is methodically converting its tender balance of plant works is targeted for mid pipeline into contract wins, as the Company 2022. Decmil will then return to site to transitions from a year of consolidation in FY21 complete grouting after the turbine to a year of growth in FY22.” installation, whilst dependent on installation dates, this is scheduled for completion in late Source: Decmil 2022.
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