Project Update Week ending 9 October 2020

Jobs blow in from new FNQ wind farm 5 October Early works will start before the end of the for locals when early works start later this year on a $380 million wind farm in Far North year. Queensland, creating 150 jobs, thanks to a sales deal with publicly-owned CleanCo. “This is another great example of our publicly- owned energy businesses working for Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Queenslanders.” Neoen Energy would build the Kaban Green Power Hub near Ravenshoe, 80 kilometres Neoen Australia’s managing director Louis de south-west of Cairns now that CleanCo had Sambucy said Neoen was delighted to be agreed to buy 110 MW of the wind farm’s working with CleanCo and Powerlink on their output. second Queensland project together.

“Queensland has an economic plan for post- “This agreement underscores our deepening COVID recovery and affordable, reliable involvement in the state’s clean energy energy supply underpins that plan,” Dr transition, and we are proud to be supporting Lynham said. Queensland’s progress towards its ambitious target of 50 per cent renewable energy by “That plan includes supporting emerging 2030,” Mr Sambucy said. industries like renewable energy because that supports jobs.” “We look forward to Kaban delivering an economic boost to Far North Queensland, “This project is proceeding because the power supporting the region’s recovery from the purchase agreement with CleanCo has given impact of COVID-19.” Neoen certainty.” The project will also provide diversified Emergency Services Minister and Member for revenue to local farmers hosting the turbines Barron River Craig Crawford welcomed the and will see Neoen establish an annual news about jobs and farm income. $50,000 Community Benefit Fund for local community-building initiatives over the “This 157 MW wind farm will mean 150 duration of the project’s life. construction jobs as well as revenue for local farmers hosting the turbines,” he said. CleanCo CEO Dr Maia Schweizer said CleanCo was proud to be involved in this new “I understand that Neoen has also been renewable energy project which will continue working hard with our local business to improve electricity affordability for community to ensure maximum opportunity Queensland.

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“As demonstrated by our recent agreements which require two to three times more silver with BHP and Coles, large energy users in per cell. Queensland are increasingly looking to power their businesses with affordable renewable SunDrive’s technology replaces the use of energy, which gives us the confidence to silver with copper, which is significantly continue to support projects like Kaban,” she cheaper and more abundant. In addition to said. lowering production costs, SunDrive is aiming to further improve efficiencies with a simpler First generation is expected in 2023 and the manufacturing process and a thinner solar cell project will generate enough energy to power that will require less silicon to produce. about 95,900 Queensland homes. The technology was originally developed by Over the past five years under Labor, 42 large- SunDrive’s CEO Vince Allen during his PhD at scale renewable energy projects have the University of Sydney, launched, representing more than $8 billion in before founding SunDrive in 2015 with his investment and more than 6500 construction flatmate from his undergraduate studies jobs. David Hu.

Source: Queensland Government SunDrive is now moving to Kirrawee in South Sydney to scale its operations, and be closer to other startups, researchers and investors. Australian startup leading the With ARENA’s support, SunDrive intends to expand its team to include 10 additional staff. way on next generation solar cells SunDrive initially aims to use its technology to focus on the rooftop solar sector, where 5 October space is at a premium and higher efficiency On behalf of the Australian Government, the cells can produce greater amounts of energy Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for a given footprint. Over time the has announced $3 million in funding to technology is expected to become more cost Australian startup SunDrive to advance the effective than current solar cell technologies commercial development of their low cost, and be adopted for large scale solar. high efficiency solar manufacturing process in

Australia. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: “As we

continue to transition our energy system, the The $9 million project will also see their solar industry needs to continually evolve and technology scaled from an industrial sized cell adopt new cell structures that increase to a commercial size module that could be efficiencies, reduce costs and employ more used on household rooftops. A small scale abundant materials.” automated production line prototype will also be developed, with the eventual aim to “It’s fantastic to see an Australian solar produce the technology in Australia. startup at the forefront of producing the next

generation of high efficiency solar cells. A key barrier to the broader adoption of next Through technological innovations from generation solar cell technologies is the use of startups like SunDrive, Australia will remain at silver. Globally, solar manufacturing is already the forefront of solar innovation and research estimated to represent 20 per cent of the and development for years to come.” world’s total annual industrial silver consumption. This presents an ongoing supply SunDrive CEO Vince Allen said: “With ARENA’s risk as solar demand grows and is further support we feel incredibly proud to be in a exacerbated if the industry moves to higher position to contribute to Australia’s rich efficiency next generation solar cell structures

Page 2 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) heritage of advancing solar cell technology. As part of the main study, Petrofac will build a With this project we have an opportunity in robust Engineering, Procurement and Australia to lead the world in creating the best Construction (EPC) design, cost and schedule version of next generation solar cells. Our goal estimation to support final investment is to use the learnings from this project to decision. bring to life a superior solar technology, creating new local industries which can Located in Western Australia, the Arrowsmith compete on the global stage.” Hydrogen Project is expected to commence production by the end of 2022 and will “With only 3 per cent of world electricity generate 25 tonnes of green hydrogen per coming from solar today, there is still so much day from the zero carbon energy sources of innovation that must occur. Gaining the water, solar and wind. The project is expected support from the Australian Government puts to drive significant growth in regional jobs, us in a stronger position to capitalise on the energy security and a considerable reduction opportunity that lies ahead. in Western Australia’s carbon emissions. Petrofac is working diligently to anticipate an Source: ARENA early production target for IBE.

Commenting, Petrofac Engineering & Petrofac to support Australia's Production Services’ Chief Operating Officer, and global Corporate Development Officer*, largest commercial-scale green John Pearson, said: “Infinite Blue Energy has hydrogen project committed to become a true Carbon Zero commercial green hydrogen producer, the 5 October first of its kind in Australia. Petrofac’s Engineering and Production

Services (EPS) business has been awarded its “Our teams have operated in Australia for first ever green hydrogen Front End more than a decade, supporting some of the Engineering Design (FEED) contract for the region’s largest energy developments. As we landmark Arrowsmith Hydrogen Project, work to grow our presence in the Asia Pacific, which will become Australia’s largest and develop our new energy portfolio, we are commercial-scale green hydrogen complex. particularly excited to deploy our capability

and expertise in support of IBE’s landmark The contract represents a significant strategic project.” step in Petrofac’s continued expansion into new and renewable energy and quickly IBE Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gauld follows its recently announced award and said: “Through the completion of the partnerships to support Carbon Capture Arrowsmith project and IBE’s innovative Storage and hydrogen projects in the UK and business model, Australia can advance its abroad. Last month the company pledged its interests on the global stage as a leader in the commitment to reach Net Zero emissions by development of ground-breaking green 2030, with its EPS business expected to hydrogen energy solutions and accelerate the achieve Net Zero by 2025. creation of a major employment strategy and

industry for Australia in the immediate future. Awarded by Infinite Blue Energy Group (IBE), We are delighted to partner with Petrofac, Petrofac’s scope of work includes reviewing who bring world-class engineering experience the conceptual work carried out on the to this vital project.” project to date and the execution of the FEED study. The scope will be undertaken by Source: Petrofac Petrofac’s teams in Perth, Western Australia and Woking, England.

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AMP Capital supports the CEO and Managing Director of Evergen Ben Hutt said: “This investment and strategic development of hydrogen alignment with Providence and their related battery technology businesses marks an exciting start to the next 6 October chapter in Evergen’s evolution. We have been AMP Capital has welcomed clean energy working closely with the team at Providence investor Providence Asset Group to become a to accelerate the transition to renewables, major shareholder in Evergen with an initial and our opportunity to do this at scale both in $3 million investment to support the Australia and elsewhere in the world is development of small-scale hydrogen enormous. It’s still early for this technology, batteries as an alternative source of energy to and current Lithium Ion batteries will be power residential homes and businesses. essential for many years to come, but in the long-term hydrogen can be better for the AMP Capital and global alternative investment environment and deliver other benefits not management firm Artesian are currently the offered by current technologies. In the two largest shareholders in Evergen - a context of the Federal Government’s leading renewable energy software business technology roadmap, this partnership allows that provides optimisation and Virtual Power us to be focusing on two of the five pillars: Plant software enabling Australia to more Battery Storage, and Clean Hydrogen,” he rapidly switch to renewable sources of said. energy. Hydrogen battery technology AMP Capital Global Co-Head of Asset Hydrogen has emerged as a high potential Management and Evergen Chairman, Michael alternative for zero-emissions energy storage, Cummings, said this latest investment will with a large range of potential uses, including help Evergen stay at the forefront of supporting the electricity system, as well as technological advances in the renewables for transport and industrial fuels. sector and provide a global opportunity for Evergen to play a key role in the world’s The investment by Providence will help energy transition. accelerate hydrogen solutions and the development of small-scale hydrogen “AMP Capital is delighted by Evergen’s new batteries and associated products. There will partnership with Providence Asset Group to also be a focus on building consumer centric enable development of hydrogen battery solutions that can be distributed around the technology. As countries and communities world. look to transition away from traditional fossil fuel sources of energy that pose a threat to LAVO™ the environment, it’s essential we continue to As part of the partnership, Evergen has been explore cutting edge renewable technology as appointed as the global software partner on an alternative for households and businesses all LAVO & H2Store hydrogen batteries. The around the world. LAVO system uses metal hydride technology to store hydrogen equivalent to up to 60kWh “While it is still early days for this kind of electricity, which is enough to power an technology, AMP Capital has a commitment to average household for approximately three work with our investors to help finance and days. discover environmentally friendly technologies to power our planet. We know The LAVO technology will be used in renewables are our future and developing the conjunction with Evergen’s Intelligent Control right technologies at scale will play a leading software that provides a platform to optimise role in the fight against climate change,” he solar and battery energy resources through said. power trading and distribution, peak demand

Page 4 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) shaving, and grid stabilisation management Field and the potential expansion activities services. through exploration and development potential provided by WA-481-P and the H2Store batteries will be deployed on Company’s pursuit of the potential Providence solar farms in coming years, and development of major offshore wind project Evergen’s software will optimise these into building off this existing footprint.” Virtual Power Plants with utilities to maximise the benefit of these projects for their Mr. Lingo continued “The Company communities. recognizes the development potential of the high quality offshore wind resource covered In addition, Providence recently announced a by WA-481-P and the Cliff Head Oil Field. This 10-year joint research and collaboration is only more significant with the Western initiative with the University of NSW, forming Australia Government calling for Expressions the Hydrogen Energy Research Centre to find of Interest for 1.5 GW of renewable wind and more efficient and cost-effective energy solar energy to support the Oakajee Strategic storage solutions. Industrial Area Renewable Hydrogen Project. The Company’s feasibility study for the Source: AMP Capital proposed Mid West Wind and Solar Project is aimed at establishing that it could be major renewable energy supplier supporting the PGY completes acquisition of proposed development of the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area.” interest in key offshore Perth Basin license Source: Pilot Energy

6 October

Further to the announcement made on 8 September 2020 regarding the acquisition PROJECT NEWS from Key Petroleum Ltd. (ASX:KEY) (Key) of Bostocks Creek Solar Farm Key’s 40% interest in WA 481-P (see map Cosgrove Solar Farm below), Pilot Energy Limited (ASX: PGY) (Pilot Bison Energy applied for state government Energy, or the Company) is pleased to planning approvals for its 4.95 MW Bostocks announce that the Company and Key have Creek Solar Farm and 4.95 MW Cosgrove Solar now executed the transaction documents. Farm, along with associated infrastructure

and utility installations, in rural . In accordance with the terms of the Bostocks Creek facility is proposed on 14.5 transaction documents and subject to hectares of land and would consist of regulatory and shareholder approvals, Pilot approximately 16,500 PV solar panels on Energy will acquire the 40% interest in WA- single-axis trackers and a 22kV overhead 481-P in return for issuing to Key 21 million electrical transmission line to connect to the shares in two tranches - an initial tranche of existing 's line. The Cosgrove 4,276,703 shares will be issued within the facility will connect to Powercor's 22kV line next three business days and a further which passes through the 16.28 hectares site 16,723,297 shares upon Pilot Energy receiving on Cosgrove-Caniambo Road, ~20km from the shareholder approval which will be sought at centre of Shepparton, and feature the same an extraordinary general meeting of number of panels. shareholders to be held in November 2020.

Pilot’s Chairman, Brad Lingo, said “This is another step in Pilot progressing its focus on the energy transition with a dual focus on the on-going oil production at the Cliff Head Oil

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Nextracker’s optimised bifacial tracker. This includes a self-powered, independent-row system design in solution selected for combination with the company’s patented Australia’s largest solar power TrueCapture technology, which has been proven on over 80 projects globally. plant 6 October In testing conducted at Nextracker’s Center Nextracker™, a Flex company, announced that for Solar Excellence in Fremont, Calif. and its solar tracker technology, NX Horizon™ has independently verified by PV Evolution Labs, been chosen for Australia’s largest solar farm, NX Horizon delivered up to 1.0 – 2.0 percent a 460 megawatt-peak installation in additional yield in bifacial applications Queensland’s Western Downs. Independent compared to other traditional one-in-portrait power producer Neoen and the project’s trackers. In the case of Western Downs Green engineering, procurement and construction Power Hub, a gain of 1.5 percent would (EPC) contractor Sterling and Wilson selected deliver over 15 gigawatt-hours per annum, or Nextracker based on the company’s proven enough to power an additional 3,000 homes. track record of delivering significant energy Factors that give Nextracker’s NX Horizon an yield gains. advantage over market alternatives in bifacial applications include its inherent system Installation of the trackers on Western Downs architecture minimizing the structure shading Green Power Hub is due to begin in 2021. 80 factor, the shed transparency fraction and percent of the project was contracted to module height at 1.35 – 1.50 meters. CleanCo, a Queensland Government Owned Corporation (GOC) under one of the country’s Nextracker is the chosen PV system most substantial power purchase agreements technology and smart solar tracker provider to date. The project will help CleanCo reach its for some of the largest power plants in the target of one gigawatt of newly installed world like the 838 MW plant in Villanueva, renewable energy by 2025 and further the Mexico. Installed in 2015, Nextracker state’s broader target of 50 percent technology was also used at the first utility- renewable electricity by 2030. scale plant in Australia, the Moree solar farm in NSW. Generating 30 percent more energy “We’re honored to be chosen by leading over fixed-tilt applications, Moree’s global companies, Neoen and Sterling and exemplary performance represents a model Wilson for this project. This milestone power for Australia’s solar sector, out-performing plant builds upon Nextracker’s existing modeled results in its sixth year of operation. portfolio of four gigawatts in Australia,” said Peter Wheale, managing director at Source: Nextracker Nextracker Australia & Oceania. “We have led the market by passionately delivering more customer value with best-in-class yield generation, client support and asset management technologies.”

Serving as the backbone across 40 gigawatts of solar power plants around the world, the NX Horizon smart solar tracker system combines best-in-class hardware and software to help EPCs and asset owners maximize performance and minimize operational costs. Increased yield is achieved on projects using bifacial modules mounted on Nextracker’s 120-degree range of motion NX Horizon

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Dundonnell Wind Farm Council locks in contract 6 October supporting wind and solar On the 5th October 2020, an incident occurred at the Dundonnell Wind Farm where energy a single blade separated from the hub of a 6 October turbine and fell to the ground. Tweed Shire Council has begun a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement with retailer Flow There were no injuries caused by the incident Power to supply electricity to Council's largest and there is no damage to any other property sites. or wind turbines to report. The agreement includes buying more than All wind turbines at the site are currently half of Council's electricity to run its larger removed from service whilst an investigation sites from NSW wind and solar farms. and assessment of the damage is undertaken. The Power Purchase Agreement sources A root cause analysis will be completed in energy from , near Glenn conjunction with the wind turbine Innes, and the new Bomen Solar Farm, near manufacturer, Vestas, which will inform the . assurance process on the other turbines prior to these being returned to service. Mayor of Tweed Cr Chris Cherry said Council was supporting the construction and ongoing Appropriate commercial and contractual production of renewable energy sources in provisions are in place to mitigate the effects Australia through this agreement. of an incident of this nature and at this time it is not expected to materially impact the "We have taken the lead from other large business. organisations, such as the Sydney Opera House and Newcastle City Council, who Source: Tilt Renewables similarly signed these agreements, which will greatly assist our nation transform from a reliance on brown energy to energy sources PROJECT NEWS such as wind and solar," Cr Cherry said.

Mannum Solar Farm Stage 2 Council recently adopted a new Climate Referral submitted to the federal Department Change Policy that sets a goal for the of Agriculture Water & Environment for stage organisation to achieve net zero carbon 2 of the Mannum Solar Farm in South emissions by the year 2030. Australia for assessment under the EPBC Act. Stage 2 is proposed to add an additional 35 To achieve this goal, a Renewable Energy MW of capacity to Tetris Energy/Canadian Action Plan has been developed. Under this Solar’s existing 6.98 MW DC project. Stage 2 is plan, Council has completed a broad range of planned on a 100ha development site energy efficiency works and has installed covering four separate properties used as a more than 800kW of solar photovoltaic (PV) piggery, cropping, solar energy (Mannum systems across Council facilities. It plans to Solar Farm stage 1) and some remnant Mallee install a further 750kW of solar PV at more woodlands, located around 4 km from sites this financial year. Mannum township. Tweed Shire Council also is working with Essential Energy to replace existing streetlights with new efficient LED (light emitting diode) lights. This program is

Page 7 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) expected to reduce the electricity needed to existing support for HumeLink and the QNI power streetlights by more than half. Interconnector, this means we are accelerating all priority transmission projects, These local projects, combined with Council's creating thousands of new jobs, putting intention to progressively increase its supply downward pressure on prices and shoring up of renewable energy, will enable Council to the reliability of the grid; achieve its interim targets of a 25 per cent - A $53.6 million microgrid program to reduction of electricity-related carbon support the development of pilot projects in emissions by 2022 and a 50 per cent regional Australia, building on the success of reduction by 2025. the current Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund. This will help Source: Tweed Shire Council deliver more affordable reliable power in regional communities across Australia; - Helping connect the North West Minerals $2.47B to lock in lower energy Province (NWMP) near Mount Isa to the NEM through further support for the CopperString prices, reduce emissions and high voltage transmission line. This will allow boost our economy major users in the NWMP to access reliable and more affordable energy supply, and 6 October encourage further investment in mining and The Morrison Government is continuing to processing in the region; deliver on its commitment to provide reliable, - $28.5 million to deliver cheap and reliable secure and affordable energy to all Australians energy to Western Australians through the as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for South West Interconnected System Big Australia. Battery project and a WA-based microgrids

program for remote and indigenous Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, communities; The Hon Angus Taylor MP, says “Our 2020-21 - $52.2 million to improve energy efficiency, Budget initiatives will help to lock in lower lower bills and deliver abatement, including energy prices while simultaneously $24 million to fund building upgrades and developing the backbone of a reliable, lower reduce energy costs for community groups emissions National Electricity Market (NEM) and for small and medium hotels; and for the next decade and beyond.” - $4.9 million over two years to improve cyber

security in the energy sector and prepare “As we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, government and industry for future threats. the Government will also accelerate the development of low emission technologies to EMISSIONS REDUCTION help reduce emissions, strengthen energy The Budget also sets out measures that security and support jobs,” Minister Taylor demonstrate how the Government is reducing said. emissions through technology, not taxes,

including: ENERGY - $1.4 billion over 10 years for the Australian The Government is continuing to deliver a Renewable Energy Agency to support the more affordable and reliable electricity Government’s Technology Investment system for Australians through measures to Roadmap, by accelerating the development of lower bills, secure our grid and drive new and emerging technologies to reduce investment in new energy infrastructure. This emissions; includes: - $70.2 million over five years to activate - Up to $250 million to accelerate major Australia’s first regional hydrogen export hub transmission projects such as Marinus Link, and facilitate research collaborations and Project EnergyConnect and VNI West to the next stage. Together with the Government’s

Page 8 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) international supply chain studies to boost Federal budget misses Australia’s hydrogen industry; - $95.4 million for a Technology Co- opportunity for a clean Investment Fund to implement recovery recommendations from the King Review to 6 October support businesses in the manufacturing, The Clean Energy Council says that tonight’s industrial, transport and land sectors to invest Federal Budget has missed the critical in low emissions technologies to unlock opportunity to leverage Australia’s renewable energy and emissions savings and create jobs; energy sector to kick-start the economy and - $50 million investment in the Carbon create tens of thousands of sustainable jobs in Capture Use and Storage Development Fund rural Australia. Investing in clean, sustainable to pilot carbon capture projects that will help infrastructure not only produces an dramatically cut emissions from large immediate economic boost but also creates industrial facilities; long term jobs and industry for regional - $74.5 million over four years to enable Australia. Australian consumers and businesses to adopt future fuel and vehicle technologies in There was enormous support for Australia to Australia, including hydrogen, electric, and follow the many countries in prioritising a bio-fuelled vehicles; and clean recovery from right across the spectrum - $45.2 million for the Government to - big business, community groups, energy progress reforms to make it easier and experts and economists. It’s disappointing the cheaper for business to participate in the Australian Government has largely ignored Emissions Reduction Fund, and to support the unparalleled opportunity to create investment in offshore clean energy regional jobs, while reducing emissions and generation and transmission. setting Australia on a path to become a global clean energy superpower. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all Australians, increasing the financial burden on The budget locked in previous commitments households and businesses across the to extend the Australian Renewable Energy country. Agency and support important transmission investments. New initiatives such as the The Morrison Government will continue to instant asset write-off available for business deliver practical measures that guarantee will likely boost the uptake of commercial- reliable and affordable energy, stimulate jobs scale solar, and a range of programs to and reduce emissions, without imposing new develop skills and workforce capability will costs on households, businesses or the likely help develop the clean energy workers economy. of the future.

The Government’s investments in electricity, As proud stewards of the Women in fuel security, gas and emissions reduction is Renewables program, the Clean Energy expected to create more than 135,000 new Council is also encouraged by the allocation jobs across Australia as part of rebuilding our towards Women in Science, Technology, economy and securing Australia’s future. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the potential to develop a more inclusive clean Source: Federal Government energy workforce.

Unfortunately, the budget commitment for the previously announced feasibility study into a new coal-fired power station in Collinsville and funding for an expansion of Vales Point – one of Australia’s oldest and

Page 9 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) dirtiest power stations – will only add to Powerlink secures Australian- investor confusion and uncertainty about the Australian Government’s energy policy first system strength support priorities. model 7 October Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said, “We owe it to Powerlink Queensland is set to become the the next generation to ensure a strong first transmission company in Australia to economy.” Tonight’s Federal Budget didn’t deliver system strength services, laying the deliver on the next generation’s expectations foundation for more renewable energy of a renewable energy future. projects in Queensland.

Source: Clean Energy Council Powerlink this week signed a new agreement with global renewable energy generator Neoen to provide system strength support to HWL Ebsworth advises its new 157MW Kaban Green Power Hub, via the installation of a synchronous condenser. Overland Sun Farming on 120MW Hillston Solar Farm Under the new plan, Powerlink will install a sale synchronous condenser large enough to support Neoen’s project in Far North 7 October Queensland, as well as other new renewable HWL Ebsworth has advised Overland Sun generation projects. Farming, the leading solar energy developer in

Australia, on the sale of the 120MW Hillston Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser Solar Farm Project to AMP Power Australia. said the 'system strength as a service' model

was an innovative way to address one of the The deal marks an impressive tally of 7 solar most significant issues facing transmission energy projects in recent years for Overland networks in Australia. Sun Farming, and now more than a dozen solar energy project deals for well over "Far North Queensland has some of the best 1000MW of solar power generation in the last renewable resources in Australia. By providing 3 years for the HWL Ebsworth team. new system strength support, Powerlink is

laying the foundation for potentially hundreds The HWL Ebsworth team was led by partner of additional megawatts of clean energy in the Peter Dreher. AMP Power Australia were state's north," Mr Simshauser said. advised by White & Case.

"Currently there are parts of our network, like HWL Ebsworth partner Peter Dreher North Queensland, where the inherent commented: system strength has been significantly “The deal underscores Overland’s strong solar reduced. energy project development track record in

Victoria, NSW and Queensland. It has been "Typically that means new projects have to our pleasure to assist Overland in the bring their own system strength support development and sale of all of their solar which adds significant costs. energy projects in Australia.”

"Rather than have each project bring their Source: HWL Ebsworth own synchronous condenser that only meets

their system strength requirements, Powerlink will install a larger synchronous condenser and then on-sell system strength to multiple projects.

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"The model significantly reduce costs for Each turbine weighs 181 tonnes with 67 individual projects as we can take advantage metre-long blades, has a hub height of 84 of economies of scale. metres and height of 151 metres to the top of the blade tip. "It will allow us to continue to connect large scale renewable projects throughout Specialist technicians are now busy running Queensland while still ensuing the security of tests on each of the turbines in turn in the transmission network. preparation for the generation and export from the entire wind farm into the South "Powerlink is launching this model in Far West Interconnected System (SWIS) following North Queensland, but we believe it can commissioning. potentially be rolled out across the state helping to achieve the Queensland General Manager of Bright Energy Government's 50% renewable energy target." Investments Tom Frood said despite the challenges relating to COVID-19, the project Synchronous condensers are large machines - has been delivered successfully. typically installed in substations - that provide system strength support for asynchronous “Bright Energy Investments is incredibly proud generators like solar and wind farms. this large-scale renewable energy project has come to fruition. The Kaban Green Power Hub will be located near the town of Ravenshoe, 80km south “The Warradarge Wind Farm is a world-class west of Cairns. asset, and the culmination of this significant project is reflective of the hard work and Source: Powerlink dedication of everyone involved.”

More than 200 jobs were created during Warradarge Wind Farm construction of the wind farm, which was completed within 12 months from first officially opened mobilisation to site. 7 October The Western Australian Minister for Energy, At full power, the Warradarge Wind Farm will Bill Johnston, has officially opened the generate enough renewable energy to supply 180MW Warradarge Wind Farm in the State’s the equivalent of 135,000 Western Australian Mid-West. homes.

Through a staged commissioning process, the Along with the Warradarge Wind Farm, Bright 51-turbine wind farm will power up to its full Energy Investments has completed the Stage generating capacity of 180MW by the end of two expansion of the Greenough River Solar October 2020. Farm near Geraldton and refurbishment works to extend the life of the Albany The wind farm’s location - 15km north-east of Grasmere Wind Farm. Warradarge, 15km south-east of Eneabba and 40km south-west of Carnamah - was chosen Source: Bright Energy Investments to take advantage of abundant wind resources of the region and its proximity to transmission infrastructure.

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More positive progress to “The first 750 MW cable of Marinus Link will unlock the latent capacity of our existing unlocking 's hydropower system. We have hundreds of renewable energy potential megawatts of currently available capacity that 7 October can support and firm increased intermittent Hydro Tasmania welcomes the Federal renewable energy penetration. Government’s ongoing support of a new Marinus Link interconnector, with funding “The second 750MW cable creates the committed to support reaching an investment opportunity for us to develop our first decision and a new special purpose body Tasmanian pumped hydro project so we can established to oversee the project. provide more of the cost competitive energy and deep storage that the future market will Chief Executive Officer Evangelista Albertini require.” said that the 1500MW Marinus Link is key to unlocking Tasmania’s renewable energy Mr Albertini thanked the Australian potential and welcomed it moving another Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for its step closer. funding support of Battery of the Nation, which has demonstrated the value of “Marinus Link is a critical enabler of the Tasmania’s renewable energy. Battery of the Nation opportunity. Together, these projects can support the nation’s Source: Hydro Tasmania transition to a clean energy future and help underpin a resilient future national electricity market. NSW electricity customers to

“Marinus Link and the Battery of the Nation save $180 million per year projects are also fundamental to Tasmania’s from SA-NSW Interconnector ambitious goal of doubling our renewable 7 October energy production and the Federal A proposed NSW-SA electricity interconnector Government has highlighted the importance that will reduce electricity bills for NSW of Tasmania’s contribution in its Technology customers by $180 million a year was Roadmap,” he said. announced by its proponents TransGrid and ElectraNet today. “Energy has been the vehicle for transforming the economic prosperity of Tasmania, through The project will allow the free flow of the construction of our iconic hydropower electricity between NSW and SA for the first schemes over previous generations. From this time in Australia’s history – plugging a gap in strong foundation, we can realise a visionary Australia’s energy system. future that will deliver benefits to Tasmania and make a material contribution to In addition, it will allow increased capacity for Australia’s transition to a clean energy future. renewable generation and significantly improve reliability in both SA and regional Mr Albertini said it was critical to find the NSW. least cost solutions for customers first, then work together to implement these solutions The 900 kilometre line will take approximately in a way that is fair to all customers. two years to complete, create 1,500 jobs during construction - most in regional NSW - “This is particularly important for strategic and inject $4 billion into the domestic assets such as interconnection where the economy. benefits are expected to be felt widely through the market,” he said.

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TransGrid CEO Paul Italiano said expected to be reduced by approximately “EnergyConnect will lower NSW electricity 9,500 tCO2-e. bills by increasing competition in the wholesale electricity market and it will also Gold Fields Executive Vice-President create a more secure system that is resilient Australasia, Stuart Mathews, said the microgrid at times of high demand and in periods of was a self-contained solution to providing extreme weather. energy in a remote location rather than running a power line hundreds of kilometres. “EnergyConnect has significant benefits for the National Electricity Market (NEM) and for “Here in Australia and globally our company is energy customers in both NSW and SA in committed to addressing climate change particular. impacts by transitioning towards an energy mix that increasingly embraces renewables “The project has already passed the and lower carbon fuel sources.” Regulatory Test for new transmission projects and our modelling has shown electricity prices “The Granny Smith microgrid and the in both NSW and SA will fall as a result of renewable energy solution at our Agnew mine increased competition in the wholesale are a clear demonstration of the innovative electricity market. steps we are taking to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our operations,” Mr “Recent modelling by the Australian Energy Matthews said. Market Operator has shown that SA faces a very serious risk of system instability as a The Agnew mine now operates with a 56MW result of high renewable penetration and low renewable microgrid and was the first in grid loads and that this risk will be Australia to power a mine with wind- substantially addressed by EnergyConnect.” generated electricity. The project comprises five wind turbines, a solar farm, battery Source: TransGrid system and off-grid gas/diesel engine power plant.

Gold Fields’ Granny Smith Mr Matthews said the scale of the Granny Smith solar panels will reduce the need to run Mines renewable resource thermal generators at the mine. 7 October Global gold miner Gold Fields has reinforced The Granny Smith energy solution has been its commitment to lower carbon operations installed by Aggreko, a world leading provider with the completion of one of the world’s of energy services. largest renewable energy microgrids for the Granny Smith gold mine in Western Australia. Aggreko’s AusPac Managing Director, George Whyte, said demand for decentralised energy The new hybrid power system, which has solutions had skyrocketed over the past few been integrated with an existing gas fired years as companies look past the grid for power station, is powered by more than power solutions to help them meet their 20,000 solar panels and supported by a 2 unique needs. MW/1 MWh battery system. Once fully operational, it will reduce the mine’s fuel “The hybrid assets we’ve delivered for the consumption by 10-13% - the equivalent of Granny Smith mine will help Gold Fields removing 2,000 cars from the road. reduce operating costs and carbon In total, the solar, thermal and battery storage emissions,” Mr Whyte said. assets will produce around 18 GWh of energy every year, with carbon emissions at the mine Source: Gold Fields

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PROJECT NEWS Building on the Government’s 2019 grant of Winton Solar Farm $5.17 million to support preparatory work on CopperString, further Government support An FRV subsidiary has applied for an through this budget will help the project and sale licence for its progress to final investment decision in 2021. 85 MW AC Winton Solar Farm located around

25km south-west of Wangaratta, near the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction town of Winton in the shire of Benalla in Angus Taylor said as Australia recovers from north-central Victoria. The project is being COVID-19, it is critical that we invest in that constructed on a site of approximately 250ha recovery. and will connect to the grid via a 66kV feeder at the AusNet Services 220kV/66kV “This is a key driver for our support for new Glenrowan Terminal Station located energy projects in north and central immediately adjacent to the Winton project Queensland that will bring down power site boundary. prices, create jobs and keep the lights on,”

Minister Taylor said. Following a 2018 public tender process, FRV was awarded a 15-year support agreement “With up to 1000 km of high voltage with the State of Victoria for electricity transmission line between Mount Isa and generation project at Winton Solar Farm. Hughenden, CopperString will deliver 750 Under the agreement, the State will purchase direct construction jobs and connect north 100% of the electricity output and LGCs Queensland with the National Electricity created by the project at the agreed price. Market to help deliver lower cost power. The tender was part of Victoria’s Renewable

Energy Target (VRET) to source 25% of its “Continued Commonwealth support will help electricity production from renewables by ensure that this important energy project is 2020, 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030. delivered for the people of Queensland.”

The contract for Engineering, Procurement, Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Construction and Commissioning (EPC) was Australia Keith Pitt said continued support for awarded to Gransolar and Astronergy Solar. this project is a key part of the Liberal

National Government’s broader commitment The applicant seeks a generation licence from to central and north Queensland. the Essential Services Commission (ESC) of

Victoria. Winton Solar Farm is expecting to “Cheaper, more reliable power will help commission the substation and begin unlock the full economic promise of the North electricity generation in November 2020. The West Minerals Province and our important Applicant seeks a licence to cover its job-creating and export oriented regional operations as an electricity generator from industries,” Minister Pitt said. 30th of November 2020.

“It is an important project to deliver a fair deal on energy for Australians while supporting our Further support for job-creating industries, and the Government CopperString 2.0 is committed to supporting its continued development.” 8 October

The Liberal National Government’s continued Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said support for the important CopperString 2.0 he’d been advocating hard for funding for the project, included in the 2020-21 Budget, is a project. commitment to regional jobs, industry development and affordable reliable power.

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“I’ve never shied away from backing - Up to $3 million in grants by ARENA for two CopperString 2.0 because one of the biggest hydrogen feasibility studies in Queensland to issues raised with me in Townsville is the cost Nitrates Pty Ltd and Dyno Nobel Moranbah of electricity,” Mr Thompson said. Pty Ltd.

“By connecting Mount Isa and Townsville we Source: Federal Government will set ourselves up for a future of more affordable power. PROJECT NEWS “At the same time we’ll be helping boost Yarranlea Solar Farm employment opportunities during Risen Energy have managed to achieve construction when they’re so desperately approval of 82MW export limit for Yarranlea needed, as we recover from COVID-19.” Solar Farm from 2 October 2020. We continue

to work closely with Ergon Energy and LNP North Queensland-based Senator Susan Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) McDonald said the project will open up major and aim for the release from Hold Point 4 new economic opportunities for Queensland’s Testing in Q4 2020. We thank our north-west. stakeholders who have played a part in

helping us achieve this major milestone, “CopperString will help bring new projects including Ergon, AEMO and our consultants online and deliver high paying jobs for north EPEC Group and Yurika. Queenslanders, both during construction and through the economic development Source: Risen Energy opportunities it will create,” Senator McDonald said.

“This will help further unlock the vast SA-NSW interconnector to potential of our region providing new deliver even bigger savings for opportunities to attract new investment.” South Australian households Support for CopperString builds on and businesses Government action already underway in 8 September regional Queensland to bring down prices and Households are set to save $100 per year on improve reliability, including: their electricity bills when the critical SA-NSW - Nearly $5 million in grants for a microgrid interconnector is delivered, according to new feasibility studies across 16 locations in modelling released by ElectraNet today. regional Queensland under the Government’s

Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Premier Steven Marshall said this will further Fund (Microgrids Fund). ease the cost burden on households and - Up to $610 million conditionally approved businesses across the state. loan for the development of the Genex’

Kidston Pumped Hydro Project under the “The interconnector will create hundreds of Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. jobs, unlock billions of dollars-worth of - $2 million to support a pre-feasibility study investment and deliver cleaner, more reliable on a proposed 1.5 gigawatt pumped hydro and more affordable energy for South plant between Collinsville, Proserpine and Australians,” Premier Marshall said. Mackay— the Bowen Pumped Hydro Energy

Storage Project. “Households are set to save $100 per year on - $3.3 million to support a feasibility study on their electricity bills, whilst small business will a proposed 1 gigawatt high efficiency low save from $201 per year under the project, emissions coal plant in Collinsville. with that saving becoming thousands of

Page 15 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) dollars for small businesses that use Iberdrola gets down to significant amounts of electricity, when the interconnector is energised. business in Australia: construction begins on Port “Hardworking South Australian families and households are on average $821 a year better Augusta, its first large-scale off under my Government,” Premier Marshall hybrid power plant said. 9 October - After the acquisition of Infigen, ground has “This includes massive reductions in been broken on its first renewable project in household electricity bills ($158), water bills Australia, with 317 MW capacity and A$ 500 ($200), cheaper ESL bills ($163.60), reduced million investment car rego costs through lower CTP Insurance - Around 200 jobs will be supported during premiums ($200) and a doubling of sports construction until the project is commissioned vouchers for primary school-aged children’s in 2021 swimming and other sports lessons (from $50 - Pull effect on Spanish suppliers: Elecnor to to $100).” build the plant's transmission line and substation, as well as the storage areas and Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst access roads Pellekaan said the interconnector will shore up stability for ’s energy grid Iberdrola gets down to business in Australia for decades to come. with the construction of its first renewable energy project after the friendly acquisition of “South Australian households have already Infigen Energy, one of the country's key seen an average $158 reduction in their developers of renewable energy projects. electricity bills and with low wholesale prices, new energy projects coming into the market Located in South Australia, Port Augusta is and the interconnector we are well on track thus far its first solar-wind hybrid plant in the to deliver our promised $302 savings in world, with an investment of A$ 500 million. electricity bills. This renewable facility will combine 210 MW “The interconnector allows us to reach our wind with 107 MW photovoltaic technologies net-100% renewables goal sooner, whilst and once in operation it will generate enough securing our grid and delivering bill relief to clean energy to power the equivalent of South Australians. 180,000 Australian homes per year.

“The Australian Energy Market Operator has In total around 200 jobs will be supported deemed the SA-NSW Interconnector ‘critical’ during construction until the project is and a ‘no regrets’ project to address the old commissioned in 2021. Thus, Iberdrola is also Labor Government’s legacy of blackouts. contributing to foster the post-COVID green economic recovery and job creation in “This project will also unlock billions of dollars Australia. of investment, such as Stage 3 of Nexif’s Lincoln Gap and Neoen’s mammoth $3 billion The project, which involves global, Australian Goyder South Project near Burra. and Spanish suppliers, is already contributing to the revitalization of industry. In recent “Peter Malinauskas should stop standing in months Iberdrola has signed major contracts the way of cheaper, cleaner and reliable for the Port Augusta project with Vestas for electricity for South Australians.” the supply and installation of 50 wind turbines with a 4.2 MW capacity and Longi for nearly Source: SA Government 250,000 solar PV panels.

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Elecnor will construct the storage areas and * access roads, as well as delivering the export https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministe transmission line, the substation and wind rs/taylor/media-releases/record-new- farm Balance of Plant. Sterling & Wilson will renewable-capacity-2019 construct the solar farm. Source: Iberdrola NEW MARKETS DRIVING THE GREEN RECOVERY Today's ground-breaking event at Port Rewiring the nation plan a Augusta was attended by Iberdrola Country Manager, Fernando Santamaría, South winner for clean energy Australian Premier Steven Marshall and Dan investment van Holst Pellekaan, Minister for Energy and 9 October Mining.

The Clean Energy Council welcomes the During his speech, Santamaria highlighted commitment from the Federal Opposition to “the company's commitment to the Australian establish a Rewiring the Nation initiative that market while continuing to bet on clean will inject $20 billion to accelerate investment energies as a way out of the current crisis in Australia's electricity network and unlock caused by the pandemic." the next wave of renewable energy

investment. A 21st-century economy needs a With its entry into Australia, Iberdrola modern electricity network that supports advances in its diversification process and reliability, security and lower emissions positions itself in markets with great technologies, and delivers low-cost energy to renewable energy potential. consumers.

Following the acquisition of Infigen Energy, The Clean Energy Council's pre-Budget Australia has become one of the major growth submission included a call to establish a platforms for Iberdrola. The group has future transmission fund and deliver the 2020 become one of the leaders in the Australian Integrated System Plan (ISP) developed by the market, where it now operates more than 800 Australian Energy Market Operator. The ISP megawatts (MW) of owned and contracted identifies the highest priority transmission solar, wind and battery storage capacity, with projects with a clear business case to benefit 453 MW under construction (including Port electricity customers concerning the price, Augusta) and a project pipeline of over 1,000 security and reliability of the energy system. MW in different development stages.

Australia's transmission network has not kept Renewable energy in Australia continues to pace with the transition to a 21st-century increase its market share and is expected to energy system, and the lack of transmission accelerate growth over the next ten years. investment is now one of the most critical According to the 2019 Australian Energy challenges facing the industry. This Report, 21% of electricity generation came underinvestment is stifling new generation from renewable sources, with solar investment, constraining existing generation production growing by 46% and wind by 19%. and resulting in increased energy security and

reliability risks and higher power prices. By 2030, emissions from the electricity sector are expected to fall by 23% and the share of The challenge remains as to how to deliver renewable energies in the generation mix to these projects as quickly as possible. While reach 48%*. network service providers and private

investors have demonstrated a strong willingness to own and operate new

Page 17 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) transmission infrastructure, the regulatory the Federal Government's Grid Reliability regime is not fit-for-purpose in providing Fund. certainty for them to make the necessary financial investments in these long-lived However, there is still need for a more assets promptly. significant role for the Commonwealth Government to accelerate these strategic For over a decade, the clean energy industry transmission projects to unlock the next wave has called for reform, particularly to the of renewable energy investment, drive down Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission power prices and deliver an economic and (RIT-T), to speed up transmission build for the jobs boost. We welcome the ALP's benefit of consumers. The recent rule change commitment to accelerating this investment to integrate the ISP into the first stage of the and look forward to further consultation to RIT-T is a step forward, but more is still ensure the program leverages the massive required. capacity and capabilities of the private sector and unlocks Australia's enormous renewable This has been demonstrated by the more energy potential. direct and recent initiatives from governments to accelerate and underpin Source: Climate Council transmission investments, including through

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