Project Update Week ending 30 November 2018

SMA commissions 1.8GW of solar inverter power for projects in Australia in 2018 26 November SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) will have provides first--class service for utility-scale commissioned 1.8GW of solar inverter power power plants. Local SMA experts inspect the in Australia in 2018. This brings SMA’s total installation of inverters and medium-voltage utility-scale PV power plant installation base components, set up required and plant- in Australia above 2GW. With this specific parameters and perform achievement, SMA has succeeded in offering comprehensive function tests to ensure system solutions for utility-scale PV plants in systems are stably connected to the grid and all states and territories on mainland work smoothly from the outset. Australia. SMA Australia began operations in 2007 and “Industry trends suggest that solar power provides a range of solutions for centralized systems are becoming a key player in energy and decentralized PV power plants as well as production in Australia, both in households for residential PV applications and PV hybrid and in large-scale PV power plants, “said John projects. With a team of 54 employees Susa, Executive Vice President, Sales - APAC / without temporary workers, the company also North America. “In the month of September supports planning, design, engineering and alone, over 1GW of SMA central inverters project management as well as installation were actively commissioned. We are very and commissioning of its solutions. proud to announce that SMA system solutions are thus installed in PV plants in each state Source: SMA and territory on Mainland Australia. The uptake in the utility segment has added 10 permanent staff members to our local service TENDER team in Australia and has resulted in 15 CSIRO Victoria additional local employees being Tender released by CSIRO Victoria for the subcontracted to work on these projects for design and installation of a solar photovoltaic the duration of the plants’ life.” system of approximately 1000Kw at its Clayton and Narrabri sites. More details are Almost all of the utility-scale PV power plant available here. projects in Australia rely on the SMA Medium Voltage . This turnkey solution includes Sunny Central inverters, a powerful medium-voltage transformer and a medium- voltage switchgear, is easy to transport and allows for fast commissioning. In addition to advanced system technology, SMA also

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Entura named Owner’s continue that partnership as Owner’s Engineer at Dundonnell, working alongside Engineer for Dundonnell Wind Vestas as the Engineering, Procurement and Farm Construction contractor and AusNet Services 26 November as the Transmission Network Services Specialist power and water consulting firm Provider to deliver a successful project.” Entura has been named by Tilt Renewables as the Owner’s Engineer for the Dundonnell Entura draws on more than 20 years of in Victoria, Australia. experience at the forefront of the industry, developing and delivering wind farms and Located north-east of Mortlake in western other renewable energy solutions in Australia Victoria, the wind farm will consist of 80 wind and across the Indo-Pacific region. Recently turbines, producing up to 336 MW of clean, Entura launched an online hub with insights renewable electricity with a connection into and resources to help renewable energy the National Electricity Market via a new 38 project developers, power utilities and km, 220 kV transmission line. investors understand and assess the different types of energy storage solutions, particularly Tilt Renewables was successful in bidding for mainstream contenders such as pumped the to be part of the hydro and large batteries. Victorian Government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Auction Scheme (VREAS), securing a “Baseload fossil fuel generation can be Support Agreement by the state. replaced by a combination of variable renewables, dispatchable renewables, and Clayton Delmarter, General Manager – smart network support and planning to Renewable Development, from Tilt ensure sufficient transmission capacity,” said Renewables said, “With the project having Dale Bryce, Entura’s Director Customer recently achieved financial close, we now look Strategy & Market Development, on launching to Entura to undertake design review and the online hub at construction monitoring services for the wind dispatchablerenewables.entura.com. farm and balance of plant, transmission line and a new terminal station. Source: Entura

“This is an exciting time for us, with construction commencement now anticipated PROJECT NEWS in early 2019 and commercial operation Boco Rock Wind Farm scheduled for the third quarter of 2020.” CWP Renewables applied for a modification to its approvals for the Boco Rock Wind Farm In announcing financial close for the project, involving changes to the Yandra cluster only, Tilt Renewables highlighted the establishment which would comprise Stage Two of the of an agreement for a shared transmission project. The purpose of the modification is to line solution, available to other wind farm construct fewer but larger wind turbine operators in the area – avoiding the need to generators for Stage Two within the approved duplicate infrastructure. To enable this, Tilt WTG locations, whilst maintaining to minimise Renewables will construct a 15 km, dual- impacts and maximise the efficiency of the circuit section as part of the total 38 km of project design. Stage Two would consist of the new transmission line required for the construction, operation and decommissioning Dundonnell Wind Farm. of up to 20 WTGs within 30 of the 32 approved locations in Yandra cluster. Entura’s Managing Director Tammy Chu said, “Having supported Tilt Renewables in the lead up to financial close, we are pleased to

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Well matched: wind, solar and Flow Power’s Hybrid PPA layers existing onsite solar with power from offsite wind and solar. a glass of McGuigan Hybrid PPAs match up businesses’ needs with 26 November the output of generators to make the most of Australian Vintage Ltd is the first business in the low cost, clean power when it’s available. Australia to announce a landmark Hybrid Renewable Corporate Power Purchase Our CEO Matthew, commented: “We’re Agreement (PPA) to ensure 90% of its power thrilled to be working with Australian Vintage at its Buronga Hill Winery is met by solar and on this landmark deal. The team have aligned wind for the next 10 years. the profiles of the wind farm, solar plant and on-site solar at the Buronga Hill winery to Australian Vintage are the producers of award create a solution that will meet its power winning brands McGuigan Wines, Tempus needs for the next ten years.” Two and Nepenthe. The NSW-based Buronga Hill Winery is the third largest in Australia and Australian Vintage Ltd are living up to the old has a long standing commitment to adage “make hay while the sun shines” but in sustainability. this case – it’s an award winning bottle of McGuigan Chardonnay. Australian Vintage Chief Executive Officer, Neil McGuigan, said: “We are extremely Source: Flow Power committed to the green agenda and take our responsibility to create a cleaner planet incredibly seriously. We are making significant progress on the ambitious sustainability Five Minute Settlement – NEM targets we have set and are proud to be at the Settlement Estimates Policy forefront of the renewable energy movement 26 November and leading the field in the wine industry. Submissions in response to this first stage consultation should reach AEMO by 5:00pm “We are proud to be one of the first (AEST) on 21 January 2019. businesses to sign a hybrid Renewable Corporate PPA in Australia. This is a This consultation is being conducted as per considerable milestone for the business the Rules consultation requirements detailed which, as one of the biggest producers in in clause 8.9 of the NER. Australia, operates at a scale that can deliver significant environmental benefits as a result Any queries should be directed to AEMO's of its green policies. The new partnership with Five-Minute Settlement email address Flow Power is a significant step towards our [email protected]. Buronga Hill winery being predominantly powered by renewable energy. By lowering An issues paper and more information is our carbon emissions and putting renewables available at at the centre of our approach, we are playing http://www.aemo.com.au/Stakeholder- our part in creating a more sustainable Consultation/Consultations/Five-Minute- future.” Settlement---NEM-Settlement-Estimates- Policy?Convenor=AEMO%20NEM Since signing offtake from multiple renewable plants, Flow Power has been brainstorming Source: AEMO how to best deliver this power to businesses. Our CEO Matthew, had an idea to match wind and solar together, so that when the sun isn’t shining, the wind can step in to do the work.

Voila, the Hybrid PPA was born.

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Epuron refinances solar Siemens to deliver Australia’s portfolio first solar farm synchronous 26 November condenser Epuron and Infradebt are pleased to 27 November announce the close of a A$22.2 million senior Siemens, in partnership with VINCI- debt facility for Epuron’s portfolio of Energies/Electrix (main EPC contractor) will operating solar assets in the Northern design, develop and deliver Australia’s first Territory. The facility covers: large synchronous condenser to be installed - 4 MW of ground mounted, solar tracking at a solar farm. When operational, this unit capacity at the Uterne solar farm at Alice will play a crucial role in strengthening and Springs; stabilising the electricity grid that will connect - 1.8 MW of ground and roof mounted solar to TOTAL-Eren’s Kiamal solar farm in Victoria. capacity at the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort located at Yulara; and The 265MW (DC) solar farm located near - 1 MW of ground mount solar and batteries Ouyen, in North West Victoria, owned by at the communities of Ti Tree, Kalkarindji and Total Eren, is expected to be the largest in the Lake Nash. state when it starts commercial operations

late-2019. The facility refinances the initial debt finance provided by the Clean Energy Finance When developed, the synchronous condenser Corporation (CEFC). will be installed by VINCI-Energies/Electrix.

Siemens will carry out the complete The loan represents the seventh investment commissioning of the synchronous condenser (across 16 individual projects) by the Infradebt and maintain it as a part of the long term Ethical Fund since its first close in September package solution. In addition to helping 2017. strengthen the electricity grid connected to

the Kiamal solar farm, it will also be beneficial Quote attributable to Martin Poole, Co- to other large scale renewable projects in the Founder, Epuron: area looking for grid security and strength in a “Epuron would like to recognise the CEFC for region that has recently witnessed an influx of its support over the last 4 years and is excited new wind and solar farms. to have Infradebt on board as a finance partner.” “As Australia’s energy mix diversifies, so does

the importance of technologies that help Quote attributable to Alexander Austin, CEO, stabilize the electricity grid. Synchronous Infradebt: condensers are a proven technology and part “Infradebt is pleased to finalise the of a cost-effective solution,” said Jeff Connolly refinancing of the Epuron portfolio, we have CEO and Chairman of Siemens Australia and worked closely with Epuron to provide a New Zealand. highly customised facility that complements the unique attributes of the underlying “While they are a conventional technology, projects. We look forward to working with our synchronous condensers include the Epuron in the future and assisting them with latest and most advanced generator circuit their future development pipeline.” breakers, excitation, starting, control and

protection systems and other auxiliaries that Source: Epuron tackle the challenges facing our changing

networks.”

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Speaking on the contract win, Andrew Government introduces strict Theodore, the head of Siemens’ Energy Management division in the region said, new controls for hydraulic “About 30% of the country’s energy fracturing generation capacity comes through Siemens 27 November technology and we’re proud to secure the - Fracking will not be permitted over 98 per contract to design and develop Australia’s first cent of Western Australia synchronous condenser being installed at a - Fracking moratorium will only be lifted on solar farm to support the growing renewables existing petroleum titles, after independent energy sector.” scientific inquiry finds risk is low - Existing ban over South-West, Peel and Perth “In recent times, the synchronous condenser metropolitan region to continue has received significant interest from the - National parks, Dampier Peninsula and renewables industry due to its crucial role as a public water source areas also declared off cost-effective solution providing short circuit limits contribution that helps enhance system - Consent by traditional owners and farmers strength in the grid. Synchronous condensers required before fracking production is allowed are one of a suite of technologies Siemens has - Fracking royalties to fund new renewable in its portfolio that help address the energy projects challenges of integrating large amounts of renewable energy into the grid”, added Hydraulic fracturing will not be permitted Andrew. over 98 per cent of Western Australia and, for the first time, traditional owners and farmers Tony Croagh (Executive GM VINCI- will have the right to say no to oil and gas Energies/Electrix Australia) echoed these production from fracking on their land. words and added: “This project is of great significance to VINCI-Energies in the region as The State Government will only lift the it solidifies its strategic vision of growth for its fracking moratorium on existing onshore renewable energy contracting services. This petroleum titles following an independent project highlights the strength of bringing scientific inquiry finding the risk to people and VINCI Energies’ and Siemens’ international the environment is low. expertise as well as local knowledge together - to offer world class solutions to an Under new world-class strict controls as part increasingly international client base in the of the McGowan Government's balanced energy sector in Australia.” response to the scientific inquiry, fracking can only be approved on land covered by existing Synchronous condensers support and improve exploration and production licences, or about power transmission quality in a wide range of two per cent of the State. applications: - Stabilization of grids As promised, fracking will continue to be - High-voltage DC transmission links based on banned in Perth, Peel and the South-West. line-commutated converter technology Existing and proposed national parks, the - Transmission grids with a high amount of iconic Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley and power infeed from renewable sources Public Drinking Water Source Areas will also - Retirement/shutdown of conventional be declared off limits. power plants The specific boundaries covering the Dampier Source: Siemens Peninsula ban will be developed in consultation with the local community.

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Royalties from any unconventional onshore able to say yes or no to any fracking oil and gas projects will be used to support production on their land. new renewable energy projects via a special Clean Energy Future Fund with a $9 million "This is a balanced and responsible policy that seed allocation. supports economic opportunity, new jobs, environmental protection and landowner The royalty rate for unconventional oil and rights." gas will increase to 10 per cent, the same rate that applies to conventional petroleum Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum production. Minister Bill Johnston: "We respect the outcome of the scientific The 12-month independent inquiry by inquiry, and it shows that jobs and investment Environmental Protection Authority can be allowed with proper regulation and chairperson Dr Tom Hatton made 44 enforcement. recommendations. Major changes to the existing regulatory regime include: "Western Australia has a long history of safe and responsible oil and gas operations and is a - No fracking to be allowed within two world-class industry regulator. kilometres of gazetted Public Drinking Water Source Areas; "The report demonstrates that the risks - All fracking projects, including exploration associated with fracking are minimal and can and production wells, to require EPA be safely managed under this balanced assessment; policy." - The development of an enforceable Code of Practice to ensure high standards of health, Comments attributed to Environment safety and environmental protection; and Minister Stephen Dawson: - No fracking allowed within two kilometres of "As a Government, we have a responsibility to towns, settlements or residents. deliver positive outcomes, based on a robust, independent scientific inquiry, in the best The State Government will implement all of interests of all Western Australians. the inquiry's recommendations before any fracking production approvals are granted. "This policy strikes a balance between ensuring positive environmental outcomes Comments attributed to Premier Mark and a prospering economy. McGowan: "We've delivered our election promise to ban "Greenhouse gas emissions are an important fracking in Perth, Peel and the South-West, issue for Western Australians. We will embark and now we're introducing new world-class on renewed action on emissions. Gas is part strict controls to regulate the industry in other of the transition to a clean energy future, with parts of the State, following the findings of an emissions from gas much lower than other independent scientific inquiry. baseload power production.

"Banning fracking on existing petroleum titles "With the new strict controls in place and the after the scientific inquiry found the risk from establishment of a Clean Energy Future Fund, fracking is low, would undermine Western we're setting up our State for the long term Australia's reputation as a safe place to invest and a transition to renewables." and do business. Source: WA Government "At the same time, it is crucial that the industry demonstrates that it has the support of landowners who, for the first time, will be

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Albany funding plan extension “The report makes for sobering reading. It tells us that global carbon emissions increased 28 November in 2017 after three years of stagnation. Carnegie Clean Energy Limited (ASX: CCE) Australia is one of the worst climate advises that it has now been informed by the offenders. Our pollution levels have risen for Department of Primary Industries and three years in a row,” said Dr Rice. Regional Development (DPIRD) that it has been granted an extension to 15 February The goal of the Paris Agreement is to keep 2019 to provide a revised funding plan for the global temperature rise this century to well Albany Wave Energy Project. below 2 degrees above the level prior to mass

industrialisation. Carnegie had requested that the DPIRD consider extending the submission deadline to The UN says nations must effectively triple allow time for the proposed changes to the their pollution-cutting goals if the world hopes Federal Government’s Research & to hold warming below 2 degrees. development (R&D) tax incentive to be clarified. Given the material impact of the “The message here is that we must move proposed changes on the funding plan for the faster and with greater urgency. Australia is Project, and the material uncertainty around on the frontline of climate change, and yet we whether those proposed changes will be are going to miss our woefully inadequate implemented (and in what final form), Paris climate commitment. The Federal Carnegie wishes to incorporate any final Government must ratchet up its response. We decisions on the R&D tax incentive into need to phase out fossil fuels like coal and Carnegie’s revised funding plan. accelerate the transition to clean, low-cost

renewable energy,” said Dr Rice. Source: Carnegie Clean Energy

Source: Climate Council

UN report: Australia not on track to meet Paris target John Laing secures first wind 28 November energy investment in A new United Nations report has found that Australia, along with countries such as Saudi Tasmania, boosting Asia Pacific Arabia and the United States, is not on track region’s growing renewable to meet its 2030 Paris climate target. investments “Prime Minister Scott Morrison keeps 28 November repeating the line that we’re going to meet Leading international infrastructure investor, our target at a canter. But without a credible John Laing, has today secured a 49.8% climate policy, Australia is stuck in the investment in the 112MW Granville Harbour barriers,” said the Climate Council’s acting Wind Farm in Tasmania, making the most of CEO, Dr Martin Rice. some of the best wind resources in Australia.

Under the Paris Agreement, Australia The project, which will comprise turbines to promised to reduce its emissions by 26-28 per provide enough clean energy to power more cent by 2030, based on 2005 levels. than 45,000 homes, is in the early stages of construction and is expected to be fully But today’s UN report says our greenhouse operational in late 2019. gas pollution levels are projected to ‘remain at high levels rather than reducing in line with Located on 1,200 hectare working cattle farm the 2030 target.’ on the west coast of Tasmania at Granville

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Harbour, the acquisition forms part of John Decmil selects NEXTracker’s Laing’s growing renewable energy portfolio in the region. It complements investments in the NX Horizon smart solar tracker (VIC) and Sunraysia Solar for 255 MW (NSW) both announced earlier this month, and (VIC) and all Farm three stages of the (SA). 28 November NEXTracker™, a Flex company, announced it Justin Bailey, John Laing, Regional Managing has been selected by Decmil, an Engineering, Director - Asia Pacific, said: Procurement and Construction (EPC) “We are very pleased to secure our first contractor to supply its smart solar tracker, investment in Tasmania. It demonstrates our NX Horizon™ for the Sunraysia Solar Farm. ongoing commitment to creating sustainable The Sunraysia Solar Farm is owned and infrastructure for communities in which we operated by both John Laing and Maoneng operate. The investment is consistent with Australia and managed by Maoneng Australia. our strategy to create long term value This is the second NEXTracker system in its through the successful delivery of greenfield portfolio after the Mugga Lane solar park in infrastructure and further enhances the the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The diversification of our renewable energy Sunraysia Solar Farm will deliver power to AGL portfolio in the APAC region.” (Australia Gas and Light) Energy via a 15-year contract. The remaining 50.2% of equity funding will come from Palisade’s Renewable Energy Fund “NEXTracker is honored to be selected by with lenders MUFG, ANZ and Westpac Decmil to supply 255 megawatts of our smart providing senior debt to the project. The solar tracker, and to one of the first projects Granville Harbour Wind Farm will benefit in Australia structured with a long-term from a long-term renewable energy power offtaker as the end-user,” said Dan Shugar, purchase arrangement with Hydro Tasmania. NEXTracker CEO. “We also applaud AGL Energy’s transition to provide more Global renewable energy provider Vestas will renewable energy options to its customers for supply, commission and service the project, cleaner and more affordable energy.” featuring 31 Vestas V126-3.6MW wind turbines. Construction of the 11km Decmil Managing Director and Group CEO, transmission line to connect Granville Harbour Scott Criddle, said: “Decmil is looking forward Wind Farm to the electricity grid is now to partnering with NEXTracker on the underway and will be managed by Sunraysia Solar Farm project. They offer TasNetworks. significant experience in delivering smart technology for the renewables sector.” Source: John Laing The project site location was selected to embed renewable closer to metropolitan load centers such as Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. The Sunraysia Solar Farm aims to directly contribute to meet Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET). For large utility-scale solar and wind, the RET goal is to generate 33,000 GWh of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, or 23.5 per cent of Australia’s electricity generation.

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Serving as the backbone of small to large Pernod Ricard Winemakers utility-scale solar power plants around the world, NX Horizon is designed to withstand announces 100% renewable desert environments and harsh wind speeds electricity in all Australian sites with its completely sealed mechanical and electrical components operating at one meter by mid-2019 above the ground. With its signature 28 November independent rows, high-slope tolerance and Pernod Ricard Winemakers has committed to rapid assembly features, construction risk is sourcing 100% renewable electricity in minimized, and project schedules are Australia by mid-2019, supporting the accelerated. NX Horizon is certified to UL 2703 company’s global sustainability and and UL 3703 standards, underscoring responsibility goals. NEXTracker’s commitment to safety, reliability and quality. NX Horizon can also be The announcement comes as Pernod Ricard augmented with TrueCapture™ control Winemakers celebrates the official “switch- software to enhance energy yield, and paired on” of 1MW of solar-generated electricity at with Digital O&M™ services for real-time its Barossa Valley Winery, marking the first analytics, performance monitoring, and completed stage of the company’s massive predictive maintenance. 2.8MW solar installation project.

The Sunraysia Solar Farm also has a contract When completed in mid-2019, this will be the with the University of New South Wales in largest combined winery solar installation in Sydney as part of the University’s plan to Australia and will supply 20% of the business’ reach “carbon neutrality” on energy by 2020. annual electricity usage. Supporting the At the height of construction, close to 400 creation of some of Australia’s leading iconic people will be working and living in Balranald, wines, Jacob’s Creek and St Hugo. contributing to significant economic growth and job opportunities to the region. Working with AGL Energy, the solar installation is expected to generate around Source: NEXTracker 4,000 MWh of renewable electricity every year, which is equivalent to the electricity consumed annually in approximately 800 PROJECT NEWS South Australian homes.

Chances Plain Solar Farm To reach 100% renewable electricity, Pernod juwi Solar to appeal decision by Western Ricard Winemakers has signed a landmark 10- Downs Regional Council not to approve its year Virtual Generation Agreement (VGA) application for development approval for the with wholesale electricity retailer Flow Power, 100MW Chances Plain Solar Farm. In October to connect the business with renewable the full council refused the application on the electricity sources. The business will be the basis it is proposed on good quality first in South Australia that is connected to agricultural land. The land is classified ALC both offsite wind and solar farms. Class A, which is high value cropping land. This means the remaining 80% of the business’ annual electricity requirement will be met by solar and wind for the next 10 years though Flow Power.

The commitment to its own solar project combined with the VGA will allow Pernod Ricard Winemakers Australia to achieve its

Page 9 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) ambition to source 100% renewable One year on; Adam Pegg, electricity well ahead of its original plans. Australia Country Manager Helen Strachan, Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ 29 November Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, said the To celebrate the first year of our partnership agreement demonstrates Pernod Ricard with BP, we’ve asked team leaders across the Winemakers’ commitment to sustainability globe to reflect back on the past twelve and responsibility. months.

“We are doing everything within our means to From an Australian perspective, the first draw upon renewable energy, both in terms twelve months of our partnership with BP has of our own renewable electricity sources at been all about building the relationship on a our winery and our commitment to local level. We’ve dedicated a lot of time to supporting the renewable energy industry.” introducing and integrating the two teams, the Lightsource Australia offices working “We are excited to be leaders in defining the closely alongside the BP Australia teams to future of sustainable business in a rapidly really uncover the potential for the changing environment.” partnership.

Brendan Weinert, AGL’s Manager Delivery The goal of Lightsource BP, as a strategic Energy Solutions Business Customers, said alliance, is to accelerate the low-carbon “AGL is pleased to partner with Pernod Ricard transition to the benefit of both businesses, Winemakers in delivering a sustainable energy so the work of this first year has really focused solution to its iconic Australian wine brands, on building strong relationships and a firm based in the Barossa Valley.” foundation, so that next year and going forwards we can make the most of our David Evans, Flow Power’s Director strengths and gain impressive traction in the Commercial and Engineering, said “Flow Australian market. Power is excited that Pernod Ricard Winemakers will be the first South Australian We’re in a particularly strong position for business to come on board our Hybrid Power bringing our offering to Australia, and that’s Purchase Agreement. By matching both solar emphasised by our partnership with BP. and wind Power Purchase Agreements, Pernod Ricard Winemakers receives a cost- For BP, our presence in the market provides effective means to get to 100% renewables.” them with an opportunity to procure solar electricity for their customers from a Pernod Ricard Winemakers’ Sustainability & recognized global industry leader. An Responsibility initiatives were recognised integrated strategy works for BP, as a direct globally as among the best in the industry at off-taker for Lightsource BP solar projects, but the recent The Drinks Business Green Awards also as a partner in providing supplementary held in London. The business has also been solar solutions to their mining and off-grid recognised as a leader on home soil after customers. Offering a dual solution of solar winning the Corporate Social Responsibility and diesel to these customers not only brings Award at the 2018 Australian Drinks Awards, trust and credibility from both sides, but also as well as the South Australia Wine Industry has the bonus of doubly-securing customers Association Large Business Environmental and future-proofing business. Excellence Award. All in all, the first year of the Lightsource BP Source: Pernod Ricard Winemakers partnership has been a success for our Australian teams, with an impressive tender win securing an agreement with garnering huge positive reactions, as well as a

Page 10 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) the construction of a strong pipeline of “Providing local employment and supplier projects – we’re in a position now to opportunities will be a key focus for us as accelerate our offerings into the future, and UQ’s delivery partner,” he said. bring secure renewable energy solutions to corporations and communities across “An industry briefing for potential employees Australia. and suppliers will be held in Warwick in December, to provide further information to Source: Lightsource BP anyone interested in working on the Warwick Solar Farm project.”

UQ makes 25-year solar farm The project will include the planting of more than 30,000 native trees and shrubs along the commitment to Southern six kilometres of the site’s boundaries. Downs UQ’s purchase of the project followed Terrain 30 November finalising a connection agreement with Ergon The University of Queensland has officially Energy, and the development approval which taken ownership of the Warwick Solar Farm was granted by the Southern Downs Regional project, sealing a 25-year commitment to the Council in June. Southern Downs.

The project will make UQ the first university in Final design of the $125m solar farm will now the world to offset 100 per cent of its begin, with construction to create up to 100 electricity needs from its own renewable jobs from early next year. energy asset.

UQ Chief Operating Officer Greg Pringle said The solar farm will generate 160,000 the University was excited to have entered megawatt hours of renewable energy per year the next phase of the project after key project when fully operational - displacing 125,000 milestones were met by renewables tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per developer, Terrain Solar. annum, the equivalent to taking 48,600 cars

off the road. “UQ is investing over the 25-year life of the solar farm and is keen to see the Southern The UQ Sustainability website will be regularly Downs become a hub for sustainable energy updated as the project progresses. research, education, and engagement,” Mr

Pringle said. Source: University of Queensland

“The solar farm will employ about six people on an ongoing basis in operations and maintenance roles, including a full-time UQ Industry releases clean energy facility manager.” policy directives to lock in

UQ today announced that Lendlease would support from NSW voters design and construct the project. 30 November The Victorian election result should be a General Manager of Lendlease’s Energy and warning to all political parties that voters Technology business unit, Greg Locke, said expect a strong clean energy policy in the they looked forward to partnering with UQ in upcoming New South Wales election, the supporting Australia’s transition to clean Clean Energy Council said in releasing a energy. package of policy directives today.

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Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane “The NSW Government has recently Thornton said political parties would do well acknowledged the importance of reforming to take notice of the voter response to the the electricity network to support the Victorian Government’s positive election continued rollout of renewable energy in the campaign on increasing clean energy in the state. Its Transmission Infrastructure Strategy state. in particular will be important to open up regions of the state for new renewable energy “The toxic political environment in Canberra projects,” he said. has failed Australians, and both the public and the energy industry are now looking to state “We call on all parties in New South Wales to governments for leadership,” Mr Thornton clearly articulate their policies to deliver said. cleaner, more affordable and secure energy for the state,” he said. “The centrepiece of the clean energy industry’s policy directives is a strong target The policy recommendations from the Clean for renewable energy, accompanied by a Energy Council include: reverse auction program to give financiers the Large-scale renewables necessary confidence to invest in the state. Establish a 2030 clean energy target Introduce New South Wales reverse auctions “The large-scale renewable energy projects for renewable energy currently under construction in NSW add up Develop a transmission investment strategy to almost $4.3 billion of investment and for new renewable energy zones almost 2000 direct jobs, and will increase the Identify and introduce initiatives to drive skills reliability of the NSW system as coal and training generation continues to close. But without strong policy from the next NSW Government, Rooftop solar and batteries this momentum in new renewable energy Drought-proof farmers using solar and investment is likely to stall,” he said. batteries Support community energy and microgrids The measures recommended by the Clean Solar and batteries for schools Energy Council champion the use of clean Introduce minimum energy affordability energy to improve the affordability of rental requirements for rental properties and housing, as well as introduce targeted skills establish a proram to encourage solar power training and measures to encourage large- to be installed on rental housing at no upfront scale renewable energy, rooftop solar and cost to tenants home batteries. Every policy has been Make all new houses energy self-sufficient supported by one or both parties in the recent with solar and storage Victorian election. Introduce targeted support for batteries

Mr Thornton said renewables and storage The full election policy flyer with additional provided a massive opportunity to deliver policy detail can be downloaded from the economic benefits for NSW and lower power Clean Energy Council website. prices, while empowering customers to take control of their power bills. Source: Clean Energy Council

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