Project Update Week ending 8 March 2019

World-first dispatchable renewable energy technology developer seeks finance for commercial project Successful commissioning and operation of Vast “The success of our pilot plant has proven our Solar’s 1 MW pilot project is delivering technology can deliver dispatchable dispatchable renewable power to the grid and renewable energy to the grid and we are driving the company’s next move. The world- confident that, at scale, our technology will leading concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) produce power at a lower cost than coal, gas company is now looking to raise $75m from or other renewable storage technologies.” strategic partners to build its business and help finance its first utility scale power plant. Working with ANU and UNSW – recognised globally for their renewables research – Vast CSP is rapidly becoming the preferred means Solar has become a world-leader in the use of generating cost-effective dispatchable and management of sodium, which is far renewable power in sunny regions. The more abundant and accessible than lithium. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects 633GW of installed CSP by While grid-scale lithium batteries can assist 2050, with China investing heavily and South grid stability over short periods, Vast Solar’s Africa recently adding CSP to firm its grid technology has the potential to supply energy following issues with coal plants. to the grid for many hours while the sun isn’t shining. Plants can be configured with 4-16 CSP technology uses heliostats – mirrors that hours of storage and generators of up to track the sun in two directions – to 500MW. concentrate solar radiation onto a receiving tower. Unlike traditional CSP, Vast Solar uses Vast Solar is working with investment bank sodium as the heat transfer fluid to capture Moelis to raise $75m to develop its the concentrated solar energy, which can then business and finance its upcoming 50MW be stored and used on-demand to drive a hybrid project, comprising a 30MW CSP plant conventional turbine and generate electricity. with 10 hours storage and a 20MW photovoltaic plant. Vast Solar’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency-backed pilot project at Jemalong, Source: Vast Solar NSW, is the first modular CSP facility using sodium in the world. The unique modular design and world-leading thermal control overcome many of the challenges faced by other CSP technologies. It is the missing link in the renewables transition, according to Vast Solar CEO, Craig Wood.

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PROJECT NEWS needed, and are referred to as construction Snowy 2.0 elements. Construction elements include: • construction compounds at Talbingo, Lobs A Snowy 2.0 Main Works Scoping Report has Hole, Marica and Tantangara; been released as part of the NSW state • construction adits at Talbingo and government approvals process. Tantangara;

• site‐based accommodation camps at Lobs Snowy Hydro Limited, the operator of the Hole and Tantangara; Hydro‐electric Scheme, is • road establishment and other access proposing to build and operate Snowy 2.0. improvements and upgrades to allow access Snowy 2.0 is a project that will increase the to construction areas; pumped hydro‐electric capacity within the • management of excavated rock from existing Snowy Scheme by linking the tunnelling activities, including: Tantangara and Talbingo reservoirs with - permanent subaqueous storage within tunnels feeding a new underground power Talbingo and Tantangara reservoirs; and station. The project will involve tunnelling and - temporary on‐land storage within the KNP excavation works between the two reservoirs and temporary and/or permanent storage to depths of up to 1 kilometre. outside of

KNP; Snowy 2.0 is being developed in phases with • supporting services infrastructure including this Scoping Report addressing the second construction power, water and wastewater phase of the project, known as the Snowy 2.0 infrastructure, and communication Main Works. The scope includes the infrastructure; and construction and operation of Snowy 2.0 Main • additional barge access infrastructure and Works. excavated rock handling facilities and

infrastructure at both Talbingo and The following key design elements are needed Tantangara for subaqueous placement of for the operation of Snowy 2.0, and are excavated material. referred to as operational infrastructure:

• an underground pumped hydro‐electric Transmission Connection power station complex; A separate report has been produced for the • water intake structures at Tantangara and transmission connection element of the Talbingo reservoirs; Snowy 2.0 project. TransGrid is proposing to • power waterway tunnels, chambers and construct and operate a new transmission shafts; connection between the proposed Snowy 2.0 • access tunnels; pumped hydro and generation project to the • new and upgraded roads to allow ongoing existing high voltage transmission network. access and maintenance; and The main elements of the project include a • power and communication infrastructure, new dual double-circuit overhead including: transmission line connection supported by - a cableyard to facilitate connection between steel lattice towers to a new substation, a the national electricity market (NEM) short overhead connection from the electricity transmission network and Snowy substation to TransGrid's existing network, 2.0; establishment and upgrade of access tracks - permanent auxiliary power supply and roads and ancillary activities to facilitate connection; and construction. The total length of the - communications cable. connection is about 9 kilometres. The

estimated capital investment value is $250mil. To support the construction of operational infrastructure, the following temporary and permanent design elements and activities are

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A new framework for There will be further opportunities for stakeholder input on access and charging transmission network access arrangements throughout the year, including and charging: have your say public workshops. We aim to deliver the 1 March COAG Energy Council a final package of The Australian Energy Market Commission is proposed regulatory changes in December calling for submissions on proposed reforms 2019. to the way generators access and use the electricity transmission network. We are also Source: AEMC seeking feedback on proposed changes to the charging arrangements which enable transmission businesses to recover the costs NEW PROJECT of building and maintaining transmission Bergalia Solar Farm infrastructure, both within and between Location: Moruya, in the Far South Coast regions. region of Capacity: 10.365 MW A huge amount of generation will be built in Developer: Rio Indygen Development the national electricity market in the coming LGA: Eurobodalla Shire Council years, taking the place of ageing coal-fired Estimated cost: $10.365mil power. With more generators seeking to Description: The proposed solar farm would connect, the transmission network is be located on 42.15 hectares of rural expected to become increasingly congested. farmland currently used for grazing cattle. The proposal includes a solar array of To help deliver the right amount of new approximately 30,488 solar panels (340 Wp) transmission infrastructure to meet future mounted in rows on tracker tables and network needs, while keeping costs to approximately 4000 array posts, 12 inverters consumers as low as possible, today’s (2500 kvA) distributed over the site, and a consultation paper sets out recommended Distribution Network Operator (DNO) changes to the framework for transmission substation and a customer substation. network access and charging. Status: Placed on public exhibition by Eurobodalla Shire Council from 6 March to 22 Stakeholders are invited to comment on: March 2019. - phased reforms to access arrangements, Contact: David Ashton starting with dynamic regional pricing to Director reflect where network congestion is Indygen happening in real time, and moving to a Contact form available at system where generators are able to buy firm https://www.indygenutility.com/contact.html rights to use the transmission network or be compensated if they are constrained off - reforms to transmission charging arrangements, including those relating to The solar system that leaves inter-regional transmission. This includes competition in the shade looking at whether the cost of a particular 5 March interconnector is adequately attributed to the 2018 saw unprecedented growth in large- region which benefits from that scale solar PV with nearly two gigawatts (GW) interconnector. of new capacity registered with AEMO. More than two thirds of this capacity came from Submissions on the consultation paper are solar systems that actually track and follow due by 29 March 2019. the movements of the sun.

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Millions of Australian consumers are less winter midday output than fixed-axis embracing and utilising rooftop solar energy systems. in homes across the country, and increasingly taking control of their energy consumption. Today, there is approximately 1750 But it’s also a flourishing time for large scale megawatts (MW) of tracking and 800 MW of commercial solar or utility-scale solar fixed solar capacity registered with AEMO, system(s). For example, in 2018, AEMO had and the vast majority of upcoming nearly 2 GW of new capacity registered via connections are also expected to be single these larger scale systems. axis systems. With technology advancing, and increasingly hot summers on the horizon, it But what actually constitutes a utility-scale looks as if the growth period for utility scale solar system? According to Greentech Media, solar systems and single axis technology in it can be defined as, ‘A utility-scale solar particular will continue for some time to facility is one which generates solar power come. and feeds it into the grid, supplying a utility with energy. Virtually every utility-scale solar Source: AEMO facility has a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a utility, guaranteeing a market for its energy for a fixed term of time.’ Planning for renewable energy

This growth in utility-scale systems has been transformation largely attributable to single axis tracking 5 March solar. Unlike conventional, fixed axis systems, The Andrews Labor Government is putting the single axis solar systems have panels that tilt planning mechanisms in place to ensure around a north-south axis to follow the sun – Victoria’s rapid uptake of large-scale they face east in the morning, are horizontal renewable energy is well-planned and at solar noon and face west in the evening. receptive to the needs of the local community. Single axis systems, or tracking solar systems, have grown rapidly to become the dominant Minister for Planning Richard Wynne has technology for utility-scale solar in the made changes to state planning rules to National Electricity Market (NEM). They offer ensure planning permits will now be required new benefits to the system in terms of greater for the power lines that connect new large- output and higher summer capacity. They also scale electricity generators to the energy capture more direct solar radiation for longer network. periods of the day which gives them a flatter profile and a higher overall capacity factor Prior to this change there was no requirement (the percentage of actual electrical output out for a planning permit to build power lines that of the total possible output of a generation operate at less than 220,000 volts. asset). Concerns were also raised that there was no Interestingly, single axis systems can make a public involvement in the process for deciding meaningful contribution to meeting peak power line routes, and that development of demand in mornings and evenings during power lines was occurring in an unregulated summertime. The downside of this, however, manner. is that as the sun sets output starts to fall quite rapidly. It’s also noteworthy that both The change means where new power lines are single axis and fixed axis systems are less required to connect a wind or solar farm into effective in winter due to the shorter the grid they will go through a thorough and daylight/sunlight hours. And at some sites in transparent planning assessment process to the NEM, single-axis tracking systems produce

Page 4 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) ensure the views of the community are heard TECHNOLOGY and potential impacts are mitigated. Sunpower launches industry's

These changes bring Victorian regulation into first 400-plus-watt home solar line with other states and will only apply to panels 5 March new planning permit applications for SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR) has once again electricity generators not retrospectively to raised the bar by introducing the highest- existing planning permits. power solar panels available today for the

residential market. In the United States, the The Government is getting on with company has launched its Next Generation transitioning Victoria to a clean energy future, Technology home solar panel called A-Series, with record investment creating thousands of delivering 400 and 415 watts of power. In jobs and a healthier environment. Europe and Australia, homeowners can also

now order a 400-watt solar panel from Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning SunPower called Maxeon® 3. Each is the first Richard Wynne home solar panel to deliver more than 400 “There has been considerable growth in watts in its region and is designed to deliver renewable energy across Victoria so we’re 60 percent more energy in the same amount making sure the planning processes are in of roof space over the first 25 years compared place to ensure new developments are safe, to conventional solar. well thought out and respect the needs of nearby communities.” "SunPower is introducing the world's first

400-watt residential solar panels as most in “This change will ensure that developers take the industry are just crossing the 300-watt into account visual aspects and traffic safety threshold for home solar," said Jeff Waters, issues, while also ensuring the public have the CEO of the SunPower Technologies business chance to make submissions as part of the unit. "Our record-breaking cell technology and permit application process.” innovative research and development efforts

have enabled us to fit more power capacity on Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, rooftops than we ever have before. Our Environment and Climate Change Lily growing panel portfolio is delivering D’Ambrosio unprecedented value across global markets “This is a necessary move to support the that goes unmatched by any other residential massive renewable energy boom in Victoria, solar technology currently available." which will see our energy network transformed in the coming years.” A-Series Solar Panel Engineered from

SunPower's Next Generation Technology “By putting the planning mechanisms in place SunPower is well known for its patented now we can make sure our new solar and Maxeon solar cells built on a solid copper wind farms have the right infrastructure in foundation for high reliability and place before they start their important job of performance. They make SunPower® solar feeding power back into Victoria’s energy panels virtually impervious to the corrosion grid.” and cracking that typically cause conventional

panels to break down. In fact, SunPower solar Source: Victoria Government panels are shown to have the lowest

degradation rate in the industry.

A-Series panels are built with SunPower's

fifth-generation Maxeon solar cells, called

Gen 5, which were perfected at the

company's Silicon Valley Research Facility.

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This breakthrough Next Generation home solar," Waters continued. "With our Technology required new materials, tools and innovative solar solutions and services, and processes, and resulted in a 65 percent larger our established channels to market, SunPower cell than previous generations that absorbs will continue building on its strong leadership more sunlight and ultimately offers more position in distributed generation around the savings to homeowners. world."

Combined with Maxeon Gen 5 solar cells is More than 10.3 gigawatts of the company's one of the industry's highest-powered, high-reliability solar technology are installed factory-integrated microinverter, making A- to date at residential, commercial and utility- Series ideal for use with SunPower's Equinox™ scale projects globally. Collectively, these platform: the only fully integrated residential SunPower® systems are expected to produce solution designed, engineered and warranted approximately 470 billion kilowatt hours of by one manufacturer. solar electricity over their first 25 years, offsetting carbon emissions from Delivering up to 415 watts of electricity, A- approximately 30 million tons of coal burned. Series is the most powerful solar panel that customers in America can buy for their home Source: SunPower today.

Maxeon 3 is Most Powerful Home Solar Panel Clean energy award in Europe and Australia SunPower also broke the 400-watt, residential nominations invited to solar panel barrier for homeowners in Europe celebrate another record- and Australia with the company's new Maxeon 3 panel which delivers 400 watts of breaking year power from its third-generation Maxeon solar 6 March cells. In SunPower's core international Australia’s leading business, finance and distributed generation markets – which policy conference for clean energy has include Europe and Australia – the company is opened applications for industry leaders and a leading solar provider, increasing volume at innovators to nominate for the 2019 Clean a compound annual growth rate of more than Energy Council Awards. 60 percent since 2016. SunPower has had particular success in Europe, doubling its Nominations are open from today until 17 market share. May 2019, with the winners to be announced in Sydney on 30 July 2019 at the NAB Gala A Robust Solar Panel Portfolio Dinner during the Australian Clean Energy A-Series and Maxeon 3 join SunPower's Summit. robust residential and commercial solar panel portfolio that includes Performance Series Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane panels. These expanded options provide Thornton said this year's awards will SunPower's extensive dealer network with a showcase the industry’s extraordinary talent range of power and efficiencies to suit specific in the middle of an unprecedented customer needs. All SunPower panels are construction and investment boom. A new backed by its industry-leading 25-year category will also be introduced to highlight Combined Power and Product Warranty. those who have made major contributions to the industry’s public profile through the "SunPower solar panels are designed to Marketing and Communications award. maximize power production and energy savings for our customers, and we're only “The Marketing and Communications award scratching the surface of what's possible in will highlight a critical element of our industry, the campaigns and content that spread the

Page 6 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) word about the wonderful work that is • Dr Alan Finkel AO, Australia’s Chief happening right across the renewable energy Scientist. industry,” Mr Thornton said. “With over 80 key speakers, six conference “Coming off another year of highs the awards streams and three networking events, celebrate the very best of the many dozens of delegates will be able to get access to the projects and world-class innovations, as well latest insights and network with leading as the campaigns that contributed to the renewable energy professionals who are biggest year for renewables to date,” he said. driving the energy transformation for our country,” Mr Thornton said. The Clean Energy Council Awards cover the three existing categories: Innovation, Early bird registrations for the Australian Community Engagement and Outstanding Clean Energy Summit are open now until 31 Contribution to Industry plus the new May. Marketing and Communications award. The Australian Clean Energy Summit will take In 2018 the Innovation Award was won by place on 30 -31 July 2019 at the ICC Sydney Energy Queensland for working with the and last year attracted more than 800 Queensland Government Department of delegates. More information and registration Natural Resources, Mines and Energy to is available at cleanenergysummit.com.au. deliver affordable access to renewable energy for public housing tenants in Lockhart River. Further information on the Clean Energy Council Awards can be found at The Community Engagement Award was won cleanenergysummit.com.au/awards or by by TasNetworks for their project turning 40 emailing [email protected]. homes on Tasmania’s Bruny Island into mini Entries close midnight 17 May 2019. power stations. Source: Clean Energy Council Nigel Morris was a deserving winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award for being a tireless champion and advocate for PROJECT NEWS quality and integrity in the solar industry for Sebastopol Solar Farm more than 25 years. The NSW state government granted consent

to ib vogt’s development application for the “The awards complement a packed and Sebastopol Solar Farm in NSW’s north-east thought-provoking two-day program at the district subject to standard Australian Clean Energy Summit featuring conditions. The proposal is for a 108 MW those that are leading the charge towards project including solar arrays, a substation renewable energy and batteries,” Mr and energy storage connected to an existing Thornton said. 132 kv transmission line which runs west of

the site. The project would occupy Speakers which have been secured for the approximately 248 hectares of rural land event include: currently used for stock grazing and • Robyn Denholm, Telstra Head of cultivation. It will generate around 150 direct Strategy and Chief Financial Officer jobs during construction, and employ • Angus Taylor, Minister for Energy approximately 2-3 full time staff during the • Mark Butler, Shadow Minister for operation and maintenance phase. Climate Change and Energy • Kerry Schott AO, Chair, Energy Security Board

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McGowan Government Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston: launches Energy "Technological change in the energy sector is Transformation Strategy happening at a rapid pace worldwide. 6 March - McGowan Government launches new "In Western Australia, we're blessed with strategy to respond to changing energy sector world-class solar and wind resources, - Strategy to deliver a cleaner and more abundant gas supply, a wealth of battery resilient energy supply for decades to come metals, and a highly skilled workforce.

Energy Minister Bill Johnston today launched "We have a genuine opportunity to lead the the Western Australian Energy way in establishing a cleaner, brighter and Transformation Strategy that will deliver more resilient energy supply for decades to cleaner, affordable and more reliable energy come. to households and businesses for decades to come. "It's clear that the generation mix will continue to change, so it's important we have The electricity sector is experiencing a major a whole of system approach to plan for the transformation because of the rapid uptake of future." rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, and increasing levels of large-scale Source: WA Government renewable generators, such as wind and solar farms. Decmil awarded $72m To maximise the environmental benefits and minimise the costs of this transition, the Warradarge Wind Farm McGowan Government will develop a Whole balance of plant contract of System Plan which will detail how the more ▪ Decmil expands footprint in the renewables co-ordinated power system of the future may sector with first wind project look. ▪ Includes design and construction of the civil and electrical balance of plant The Whole of System Plan will be complemented by a Distributed Energy Decmil Group Limited (ASX:DCG) (“Decmil” or Resources (DER) Roadmap, which will guide “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has the integration of onsite generation (solar been awarded a $72 million contract for panels), battery storage and future balance of plant works at the Warradarge technologies such as electric vehicles. Wind Farm in Western Australia.

The DER Roadmap will be produced by the The contract will be with leading global wind end of 2019 and the first Whole of System energy company Vestas, with the project Plan in mid-2020. located 200kms South of Geraldton. The project will be funded and developed by These initiatives will be developed alongside Bright Energy Investments (BEI) – a changes to modernise the Wholesale partnership between Synergy and the private Electricity Market to enhance power system sector. security and improvements to enable new, largely renewable generators to access Decmil’s scope includes the design and Western Power's network. construction of the civil and electrical balance of plant for the 51 turbine wind farm including wind turbine bases, 55km of access tracks, site cabling, switch room and substation.

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Western Power will construct the Western Plains Wind Farm transmission line from the wind farm sub- station to the network connection point near newsletter Eneabba. 7 March For the last couple of months Epuron has The works will commence immediately and been working on finalising the development are expected to be completed by September application for the Western Plains Wind Farm. 2020. The Community Information Day in September 2018 was an important aspect of Source: Decmil this. It has been a great opportunity to get feedback and understand the concerns of the local community. PROJECT NEWS Finalising Connection Arrangements for the Hay Solar Farm Wind Farm Original developer, Overland Sun Farming, is Finalising arrangements for connection of the requesting a modification to the development wind farm to the Port Latta electricity consent for the Hay Solar Farm to allow substation is the main focus of our activities. battery storage on the site. Approval for a 140 The Epuron team thanks all of those who have MW solar farm 6km north-east of Hay in willingly engaged with us in discussion to NSW’s Riverina region was granted by the enable this connection, it is much NSW Department of Planning and appreciated. Environment in December 2017. The developer is now seeking approvals to add a Completing the connection arrangement will battery storage system which would consist of allow the Development Application and modular units on pad mounted foundations, Development Proposal and Environmental located near the proposed on-site substation. Management Plan (DPEMP) to be lodged with The storage system would be containerised Circular Head Council and the EPA for and bunded. The storage capacity of the assessment. proposed battery system is a maximum of 29 MW & 29MWh, however integration of the Community Wind Farm Fund BSS into the grid connection and grid network Epuron recognises that a wind farm is a operation means that the final sizing and change to the landscape in which the local design of the BSS will be determined in community lives. A wind farm also comes with accordance with the requirements of the benefits including a boost to the local network service provider and energy market economy through construction jobs and flow operator. The battery technology type, system through spending on food, accommodation, size and location would be further refined fuel and other local services. during the detailed design process. However the most likely battery storage system would We look forward to a discussion with the be lithium-ion technology, specifically the community about how best to structure this Tesla Powerpack or similar. fund – how the committee would be run, how to appoint the members and the kinds of projects it should fund so a charter can be developed.

Source: Epuron

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Epuron sells 1000MW Together with the Rye Park Wind Farm project, also developed by Epuron, Tilt Liverpool Range Wind Farm to Renewables now has over 1,300 megawatts of Tilt Renewables late-stage wind farm development projects in 7 March NSW and is well placed to play a major role in Epuron is pleased to announce it has today helping the State transition to a greater mix of completed the sale of the Liverpool Range renewable energy generation over the coming Wind Farm project to Tilt Renewables Limited years. (“Tilt Renewables”). “We are delighted to add the Liverpool Range The Liverpool Range Wind Farm is located Wind Farm project to our development approximately 370 km north-west of Sydney pipeline and deliver on our vision to be a between the townships of Coolah and Cassilis leading developer and owner of renewable in the Upper of New South energy generation in Australia and New Wales. The project received Development Zealand” said Deion Campbell, Tilt Consent from the State of NSW for up to 267 Renewables Chief Executive. turbines in March 2018, and federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Tilt Renewables is now responsible for all Conservation (EPBC) Act approval in June aspects of the project. Epuron will continue to 2018. When fully constructed, the project support Tilt Renewables as it works to could add up to 1,000 MW of new renewable progress the project towards construction energy generation to NSW and be the largest phase. wind farm project in Australia. Source: Epuron Epuron instigated the development as a green field project, from identification of the site, securing land, developing the site layouts and Acquisition of Liverpool Range carrying out detailed site assessment required for development approvals. It is the eighth Wind Farm project wind farm successfully developed by Epuron 7 March and brings its portfolio of completed wind Tilt Renewables Limited (“Tilt Renewables”) is farm development projects to over 3,000 pleased to announce it has today completed megawatts. the acquisition of the Liverpool Range Wind Farm (“LRWF”) project from Epuron Pty Ltd. "We would like to thank everyone we have worked with in the development of the LRWF is a new wind farm development Liverpool Range Wind Farm, including the project located approximately 370 km north- involved landowners, local community, west of Sydney between the townships of Community Consultation Committee Coolah and Cassilis in the Upper Hunter members, local Councils, government Region of New South Wales. The project representatives and other stakeholders" said received Development Consent from the State Epuron Executive Director, Martin Poole. of NSW for up to 267 turbines in March 2018, and federal Environment Protection and "We look forward to its successful Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act approval construction in the years ahead, and to seeing in June 2018. When fully constructed, the a major contribution to clean renewable project could add up to 1,000 MW of new energy supply into the NSW energy market" renewable energy generation to NSW and be said Epuron Executive Director, Andrew the largest wind farm project in Australia. Durran. “We are delighted to add the Liverpool Range Wind Farm project to our development

Page 10 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) pipeline and deliver on our vision to be a In addition to the latest landmark project, leading developer and owner of renewable Array has established itself in Australia as the energy generation in Australia and New preferred solar tracker company with 55% Zealand” said Deion Campbell, Tilt market share reported in 2018 by Wood- Renewables Chief Executive. Mackenize’s Greentech Media. The global tracker firm has supplied over 1.5 GW of Together with the Rye Park Wind Farm technology to Australian solar farms to date. project, Tilt Renewables now has over 1.3 GW of late-stage wind farm development projects “We have chosen Array Technologies to in NSW and is well placed to play a major role supply solar trackers to the Darlington Point in helping the State transition to a greater mix Solar Farm because Array delivers an of renewable energy generation over the innovative, robust tracking solution that coming years. through engineered simplicity, reduces long- term maintenance to deliver the lowest Source: Tilt Renewables levelized cost of energy for our projects,” said John Cole, chief executive of Edify Energy.

Array Technologies chosen to Constructing the project over the next year is Signal Energy Australia. “We are pleased to equip one of the largest PV work with Array Technologies,” said Robbin plants in Australia Russell, general manager of Signal Energy. “Array has been the tracking system partner 7 March on more than one gigawatt of solar projects Array Technologies has been commissioned to built by Signal Energy over the past ten supply its award-winning DuraTrack HZ v3 as years.” the tracker of choice for the 333 MW

Darlington Point Solar Farm, 50 kilometers A pioneer in the solar industry, Array boasts south of Griffith, New South Wales. This over 25 GW years of energy production and project, a joint venture between leading over 10 GW of solar trackers shipped globally. Australian renewable energy developer Edify The Darlington Point Solar Farm is an exciting Energy and Octopus Investments, will be one project for Array’s portfolio and a testament of the largest solar farms in Australia and will to the maturity of the Australian solar market. provide reliable, clean power to over 115,000 Global demand for solar trackers continues to Australian homes annually. The site is grow rapidly in locations with higher expected to begin commercial operations in irradiance where solar tracking can deliver 20- early 2020. 25% increased power production. Array’s

technology is proven to be a cost-effective “We are proud to support Australia’s solution to maximize solar project returns. ambitious effort to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels as well as partner with Edify Energy Source: Array Technologies and Signal Energy on completing one of the largest solar power plants in the country,” says Jeff Krantz, executive vice president of global sales of Array Technologies. “Massive projects, such as this one, require the lowest levelized cost of energy from their tracking technology in order to stack up economically and we are pleased to offer the best solution.”

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EPA releases revised guidance “In the revised guidance the EPA has noted its intention to recommend offsets for proposals for proponents on greenhouse with direct emissions above 100,000 tonnes gas emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum.” 7 March The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) The EPA periodically reviews its guidance has revised its guidance on mitigating documents for environmental impact greenhouse gas emissions from significant assessments and has consulted the EPA new or expanding proposals in Western Stakeholder Reference Group (made up of Australia. industry, local government and conservation organisations) in developing its updated The Environmental Factor Guidance – guidance. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and EPA Technical Guidance – Mitigating Greenhouse Gas These guidelines are not statutory, but serve Emissions released today, will help to inform proponents as to the kinds of proponents of significant proposals in the information they may be required to provide State prepare for an environmental to the EPA during the assessment process. assessment by the EPA. EPA advice and recommendations are considered by Government in authorising The revised guidelines: major developments in Western Australia. - outline the information required from proponents and how it may be considered by There will be a transition period to give the EPA in its environmental impact proponents time to develop and implement assessment; their avoidance, reduction and offsetting - set a clear threshold for when greenhouse plans. gas emissions from proposals will be considered by the EPA, and what mitigation To read the guidance documents please click measures will likely be required. here.

EPA Chair Dr Tom Hatton said while the EPA Source: WA EPA Board recognised the lead role of the Commonwealth Government in relation to Australia’s international obligations on Going underground – ACCIONA reducing emissions it notes there is a need to clarify and provide greater certainty in the announces Mortlake South EPA’s consideration of greenhouse gas Wind Farm transmission line emissions. decision

8 March “Over the past two decades the EPA has ACCIONA has announced its intention to build recommended greenhouse gas abatement an underground transmission line for its new measures for around 40 proposals however Mortlake South Wind Farm, demonstrating its more needs to be done to limit global commitment to working closely with warming, consistent with the Paris communities to deliver tailored local Agreement,” Dr Hatton said. solutions.

“The revised guidance released today clarifies The 220 kV transmission line is planned to run what is required from proponents of approximately 15km from the Mortlake South significant proposals in the State, to avoid, Wind Farm to the Terang Terminal Station. reduce and offset their impacts and includes a more stringent approach to offsets. The decision was revealed today at a sod-

turning event on site, which was attended by

Page 12 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Victoria’s site south of Mortlake today to announce that Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate construction has commenced on the $275 Change. million, 35-turbine Mortlake South Wind Farm being built by ACCIONA. Several details including the exact route are yet to be completed, and approvals still need The project will create over 90 new jobs to be granted by relevant stakeholders. during construction, 34 ongoing jobs and will generate enough clean energy to power The proposed route will be finalised based on 115,000 homes each year. a range of factors including environmental, cultural heritage and engineering In another win for renewable energy in considerations aimed at minimising the Victoria, the wind turbine supplier for the impact of the wind farm’s construction and project intends to establish a ‘Nordex ongoing presence. Regional Hub’ in Victoria which will service Australian, New Zealand and South East Asian “It’s more expensive, but it’s the right thing to markets – creating 20 jobs in metropolitan do for this project,” said Brett Wickham, and regional areas. ACCIONA Energy Australia’s Managing Director. ACCIONA will also build an underground transmission line for the wind farm, “We examined various options, and of course demonstrating its commitment to working are fully aware that existing aboveground closely with communities to deliver tailored transmission lines have caused some angst local solutions. locally. As our approach is to invest in local areas for the long term and work The underground transmission route will be cooperatively with communities, we felt this finalised based on environmental, cultural decision would be the most appropriate local heritage and engineering considerations solution for these specific circumstances. aimed at minimising the impact of the wind farm’s construction and ongoing presence – a “I’d like to thank the local community for their planning permit will be required for the new ongoing cooperation, and we will provide power line. more updates as the proposal develops.” ACCIONA is supporting local Portland-based Construction works for the site compound at company Keppel Prince Engineering by the wind farm have recently begun. providing advance orders for the purchase of turbine towers for the project. Source: ACCIONA The Mortlake South Wind Farm is supported by the Government’s Victorian Renewable Work starts on the Mortlake Energy Target reverse auction and was one of six successful applicants in last year’s auction. South Wind Farm 8 March The Government is increasing Victoria’s Work is underway to build Victoria’s latest Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by wind farm, including a Victorian-first 2030 – putting more clean energy into the underground transmission line which will set grid, increasing investment and driving down new best-practice for connecting clean energy energy prices. projects to the national grid. In 2017-18, renewable energy generation The Minister for Energy, Environment and accounted for 18.3 per cent of total energy Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio visited the

Page 13 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) generated in Victoria, up from 11.8 per cent in The new facility will thermally treat the waste 2014-15. and convert the recovered energy into steam to produce electricity. Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily The Kwinana facility will divert 400,000 D’Ambrosio tonnes of residual household, commercial and “This wind farm will create local jobs, reduce industrial waste from landfill each year and greenhouse emissions and generate enough when fully operational, the facility will export electricity to power more than 115,000 homes up to 36MW of electricity into the South West — boosting energy supply and bringing down Interconnected System, sufficient to power prices.” more than 50,000 households.

“Our energy targets have been the catalyst for The facility will produce less greenhouse unprecedented renewable energy investment emissions than if the residual waste used and jobs growth in regional Victoria.” went to landfill.

Source: Victoria Government Funding for the project is provided by Macquarie Capital, Dutch Infrastructure Fund, Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the Construction of Kwinana waste Australian Renewable Energy Agency and a range of financial institutions. to energy plant to create 800 jobs Construction of the facility has commenced and is expected to be open by the end of 8 March 2021. - Australia's first thermal waste to energy facility to be built in Kwinana Comments attributed to Premier Mark - More than 800 jobs to be created during McGowan: construction and 60 positions once "Having the country's first thermal waste to operational energy facility built in Western Australia - Facility will divert 400,000 tonnes of residual demonstrates confidence in our economy and waste from landfill each year and recover as shows WA has the capacity to be at the energy forefront of new technologies for waste - Up to 36MW of electricity to be exported management. into the South West Interconnected System, able to power more than 50,000 households "During construction hundreds of local jobs

will be created, which will be a huge boost to Premier Mark McGowan today joined the local economy and create more representatives from Avertas Energy, opportunities for local workers across a range Macquarie Capital and the Dutch of trades. Infrastructure Fund, to turn the sod on

Australia's first thermal waste to energy "This is one of those projects that ticks all the facility. right boxes; it creates jobs for local workers,

reduces landfill and generates energy that can The project, co-developed by Macquarie be used to power our homes." Capital and Phoenix Energy Australia, will be the first thermal waste to energy facility in the Source: WA Government country and is expected to create more than

800 jobs during construction and 60 positions once fully operational, with the vast majority to be Western Australian jobs.

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Clean energy industry calls for A comprehensive and holistic review of MLFs by the AEMC is imperative, along with urgent reform to Marginal Loss considerations of how this volatility could be Factor arrangements controlled in the short term. The industry is 8 March calling on the AEMC to complete this review A comprehensive review of the Marginal Loss as soon as possible. Factors (MLFs) arrangements by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) “The issue also underlines the need for is urgently required to avoid unpredictable efficient investment in new poles and wires to hits to the financial sustainability of existing relieve the strain on the existing network, and future renewable energy projects, the which is rapidly becoming congested. This Clean Energy Council said today. remains one of the highest priorities for our industry,” he said. Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said many wind and solar Mr Thornton said the renewable energy developers were coming to grips with reduced industry attracted tens of billions of dollars in economic viability following the release of investment last year and had created MLF figures by the Australian Energy Market thousands of jobs, and warned that a strong Operator today. investment pipeline could be at risk if the issue was not addressed. “The biggest challenge for the industry is that we have experienced significant and “Predicting MLFs into the future is something unexpected annual decreases in MLFs for the no-one has been able to do with any accuracy. last few years,” Mr Thornton said. Consequently the current process introduces risks that are virtually impossible to manage “MLFs represent the loss of electricity as it after investment decisions have already been travels from power generators along poles made,” he said. and wires to customers. While this is a complex issue, the consequences are simple – “This is a major issue for our industry, and we an unexpected and unpredictable reduction in are interested in working with all stakeholders the viability of wind, solar, hydro and in good faith to address it as soon as bioenergy projects across the country. possible.”

“The MLF methodology was established over Source: Clean Energy Council 20 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose.

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