Project Update Week ending 3 May 2019

CEFC invests $30 million in world first Woolworths green bond 29 April The CEFC has invested $30 million in the “The CEFC’s investment in this bond enables Woolworths Group green bond, the first us to continue our support for Australia’s certified green bond issued by an Australian emerging green bond market, actively retailer and by a supermarket business monitor the secondary market for green globally, and an exciting milestone in the bonds and gain useful insights into the continued development of Australia’s green emissions profile of Australia’s supermarkets.” bond market. The Climate Bonds Initiative has certified the The $400 million green bond will help fund bonds and has developed a global low-carbon the Woolworths 2020 sustainability strategy, buildings criteria for supermarkets as a result through the installation of LED lighting, energy of Woolworths’ commitment to green bonds. efficient refrigeration, solar panels and other The Climate Bonds Initiative is an clean energy technologies. international, investor-focused not-for-profit organisation working to mobilise the $100 CEFC Debt Markets Lead Richard Lovell said: trillion bond market, for climate change “This green bond has been instrumental in solutions. setting new standards and expectations across the entire retail industry. Woolworths’ Woolworths Group Chief Financial Officer work on a green bond framework has David Marr said: “We’re pleased with our increased its business-wide focus on inaugural green bond transaction. The issue of sustainability. It sends a strong message to the bonds is a further reflection of our participants of Woolworths’ extensive supply ongoing work to improve our environmental chain and makes a clear statement about its impact and operate a more sustainable sustainability and emissions reduction business. objectives to the estimated 30 million customers who shop the Woolworths brand “The transaction has given us the opportunity each week. to build relationships with a number of new investors who focus on ESG investment such “This retail-focused green bond also provides as the CEFC, supporting our objective of a new asset class for institutional investors diversifying our investor base. seeking opportunities that meet environmental, social and governance “We hope that the success of this transaction requirements. It creates a simple and highly will drive the development of the Australian transparent way for the private sector to green bond market, delivering higher invest in clean energy technologies. awareness of its benefits for corporate Australia and how funds are allocated."

Page 1 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Woolworths Group includes well known The key point of shingling technology is to Australian and New Zealand brands revolutionize the module-level technology of Woolworths, Countdown, Dan Murphy’s, BWS high-efficiency modules, which has resulted in and Big W. It has over 3,000 stores, more than an influx of investment by PV companies into 200,000 employees. Since 2015 the group has the research and development of large-scale reduced its emissions by 13 per cent. manufacturing of shingled cell modules. Increased shingled module production View the Woolworths Group Green Bond capacity has led to higher application rates Framework. and widespread industry acceptance of the modules in several major high-end markets, Source: CEFC including Europe and Japan.

Shingled modules is typically used in high- GCL System awarded patent efficiency application scenarios. Projects currently using shingled cell modules include for shingled solar modules in the Top Runner Program and the Technology Australia Top Runner Program, two programs under the aegis of China's National Energy 29 April Administration (NEA) supplied by GCL. The GCL System Integration Technology Co. Ltd aesthetic design of the shingled modules also (GCL System), a world's leading one-stop makes them ideal for use in distributed intelligent and integrated energy system residential rooftop. provider, announced it had been awarded a patent for its shingled cell modules from IP With continuous technological breakthroughs, Australia (Patent No. 2016393430), further GCL SI expects to improve its competitive enhancing its patent portfolio. The granted advantage and continue its expansion into patents in both Australia and China, high-end markets. meanwhile a patent-applying status in the US and Japan, is expected to help GCL System Source: GCL-SI further establish a presence in the world's high-end markets. Industry watchers will be able to catch the GCL SI shingled cell modules and cast mono modules at Intersolar in May. NEW PROJECT Kadina Solar Farm Shingled cell technology refers to a Location: Kadina, South Australia mainstream manufacturing process of high- Capacity: 5.95 MW density modules used within the photovoltaic Developer: Redmud Green Energy industry. Use of shingled cell designs has Description: Copper Coast Council has drawn considerable attention from approved the project comprising of more than stakeholders for its efficiency, higher 15,000 solar panels across a 13 acre site. The efficiency and higher power output and solar farm will connect to SA Power Networks comparably lower balance-of-system (BOS) Kadina East substation. costs. Industry insiders estimate that if the Contact: Mark Yates adoption of shingled cell technology and the Redmud Green Energy incorporation of SE-PERC high-efficiency cells Tel: (08) 8119 0777 continues to further increase this year, the Email: [email protected] shingled module power of 60-type can be expected to increase to 340-350W. When compared to 270W modules popularized in 2017, this represents an increase in power output of 80W in just two years.

Page 2 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

ERM Power launches choose their level of participation in increments of 5% and have the added Corporate PPA offering flexibility of a three-year agreement. 29 April New product helps businesses efficiently lock ERM Power has the ability to aggregate in renewable generation ERM Power is multiple business customers to gain access to launching a new Corporate Renewable Power large PPAs, opening up opportunities that Purchase Agreement (PPA) product to haven’t necessarily been available to smaller facilitate easier access to renewable energy business customers. sources for commercial and industrial customers. ERM Power will handle all aspects of the PPA on behalf of customers including sourcing the “This allows commercial and industrial project, negotiating the terms and conditions businesses to buy a partial interest in the and managing financial settlements, providing output of a large renewable , to customers a peace-of-mind commercial support their business and environmental arrangement. energy objectives,” said Executive General Manager Trading David Guiver. Mr Guiver said the new product was a natural evolution for ERM Power, building on the “Working through ERM Power, businesses can company’s commitment to supporting the enjoy the benefits of a PPA without the development of renewables infrastructure in intricacies of negotiating and managing a Australia. complex contractual arrangement directly with a renewable energy provider.” ERM Power has entered into offtake agreements with developers of wind and solar Mr Guiver said many large corporates were farms and has also launched new-generation committed to moving to 100% renewable financial instruments into the wholesale energy, given sustainability targets and market to support developers of renewables continued volatility in the wholesale markets. infrastructure.

“PPAs are an increasingly popular option, but To support the new product, ERM Power is businesses must proceed cautiously if calling for expressions of interests from negotiating these directly, as there may be renewable project developers and asset hidden pitfalls,” Mr Guiver said. owners with projects located within either Victoria or New South Wales, connected to “Our new product helps businesses secure the NEM, with an installed capacity of 10MW exposure to renewable energy generation as or more. Uncontracted and partially part of their energy mix in a way that’s simple, contracted assets interested in offtake transparent and efficient.” agreements for a 3-5 year term are being encouraged to respond. In Australia, PPA contracts will typically be for the purchase of large scale generation Parties interested in participating should certificates (LGCs) and the energy revenue email [email protected] to produced by a renewable energy generator obtain further information, with formal for a typical term of 15 years. expressions of interest due on or before 10 May 2019. With ERM Power’s offering, for an agreed fixed price, businesses will receive a Source: ERM Power percentage of the energy revenue and the LGCs generated by the renewable operator, with the LGCs more closely aligned to their mandatory requirements. Customers can

Page 3 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Labor will make the South investment, to translate potential into real economic benefits. West of Western Australia a Renewable Energy Zone That’s why designating the South West of 29 April Western Australia as a Renewable Energy The massive renewable energy investment Zone is so important. potential in Western Australia will be unlocked under a Shorten Labor Government, It will mean the region will benefit from which will make the South West a Renewable potential support from Labor’s $5 billion Energy Zone. Energy Security and Modernisation fund. This is an integral part of Labor’s nationwide A Renewable Energy Zone will allow for Energy Plan to deliver 50 per cent renewable increased investment in renewables, which energy by 2050. will create jobs and bring power prices and pollution down. Labor’s comprehensive Energy Plan will support the orderly transition to 50 per cent After years of outright opposition to renewables by 2030, will deliver new renewable energy by a state Liberal transmission investment, and a just transition government, Western Australia is lagging for affected communities and workers. behind other states, who are reaping the benefits of large-scale renewable energy. After six years, the Liberals still can’t deliver a coherent energy policy, with the Australian Only 7.5 per cent of South West Energy Market Commission only this week Interconnected System (SWIS) energy comes again calling for “policy certainty integrating from renewables, but this is set to emissions reduction and energy policy.” significantly grow as Western Australia moves to address regulatory and administrative Only Labor has a plan to invest in renewable barriers to more investment. energy, modernise the electricity system, and bring power prices and pollution down. In addition the state energy company, Synergy – partnering with Cbus Super and Dutch The Liberals have nothing but a record of Infrastructure Fund – plans to invest in failure and baseless scare campaigns. renewables through the Bright Energy investment fund. This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables, or We’ve already seen an uptake in renewable bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town energy investment, with 1,000 MW of new under the Liberals. renewable capacity seeking connection in the South West of Western Australia. After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready. The Climate Institute has estimated the South West of Western Australia has enormous Source: Australian Labor Party potential for renewable energy development in wind, solar and bioenergy, and almost 1,500 jobs could be created with the right policies to develop the region’s renewable potential.

Renewable energy development needs new transmission and other infrastructure

Page 4 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Nexif Energy’s Lincoln Gap Work on the project is proceeding and erected turbines are being commissioned with project remains on track increased pace with three wind turbines now 30 April operating and exporting power to the grid. Lincoln Gap , located near Port One extra tall crane is currently on site for Augusta in South Australia, has exported its lifting the wind turbines on top of the towers first energy generation with project owner and a second such crane is due on site in early Nexif Energy providing a financial solution to May to substantially increase the rate at keep the project on track. which the turbines are established and generation output over coming months. Nexif Energy has proactively negotiated with Senvion and made successful arrangements to Source: Nexif Energy ensure continued progress on the while Senvion addresses its financial difficulties and requirements. New report: public kept in the These arrangements will be implemented dark on climate change over the coming days and include the 30 April provision of funding for Senvion’s on-site A new report by the Climate Council finds the subcontractors through direct payment of Federal Government has gone to amounts owing to continue work on the extraordinary lengths to keep the public in the project, which is quickly taking shape. dark on climate change.

Nexif Energy has been working hard on the “I think most Australians would be outraged if positive pathway forward for the project and they knew the full story. The Coalition its workers over the past two weeks since Government has slashed climate science becoming aware of Senvion’s difficulties. funding, censored important information and repeatedly made false claims,” said the At the same time, the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm Climate Council’s CEO, Amanda McKenzie. has celebrated a major milestone. Early last week sustained operations commenced from “The Federal Government censored a UNESCO the first of the wind farm’s turbines with the report on climate change and World Heritage project exporting its first meaningful sites, convincing the UN agency to delete all generation to South Australia’s electricity grid. references to Australia and the Great Barrier Since then, another two wind turbines have Reef. This is not the kind of behaviour we commenced operations. expect from a democratic country,” said the Climate Council’s Head of Research, Dr Martin Founder and Co-CEO of Nexif Energy Matthew Rice. Bartley said: “We are pleased with the progress made on commissioning by Senvion “The Federal Government has repeatedly Australia in light of the uncertainty over the tried to avoid scrutiny by releasing past two weeks and look forward to greenhouse gas emissions data just before continuing good progress given the new Christmas or on the eve of football grand arrangements in place to channel financing to finals, when fewer people are paying the project’s subcontractors and service attention,” he said. providers.’’ “Climate Cuts, Cover-Ups and Censorship” Key Senvion’s direct subcontractors on Lincoln Findings: Gap Wind Farm have been notified of the - The Government’s tenure has been arrangements with payments targeted over characterised by slashing climate science this coming week. funding, cutting effective climate change

Page 5 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) programs, rejecting advice from expert “Heatwaves have become hotter and last domestic and international bodies, misleading longer, while droughts, intense rainfall and claims from Federal Ministers, a lack of any bushfire conditions have become more effective climate programs, and consistently severe,” said Ms McKenzie. covering up poor performance. - Deep funding cuts and job losses at the “As Australians experience escalating CSIRO have weakened Australia’s climate consequences into the future, they are likely science capability. As a result, Australia is to view this period of missed opportunities unprepared to cope with the impacts of and failed leadership with deep dismay,” she climate change. said. - The government’s lack of climate change action is the defining leadership failure of the Source: Climate Council past decade. We have not tackled climate change, the consequences are with us, and we must work very quickly to prevent A message from the clean catastrophic consequences. - Australia’s next government must adopt energy industry credible climate policy and a transparent and 30 April accurate approach to reporting and tracking Attention politicians, Australia’s climate performance to ensure the Federal politics has failed to deliver long-term public can appropriately evaluate its climate and energy policy. Despite the lack of performance. certainty, we have been working hard to get on with the job of cleaning up our electricity “The test of a good climate policy is simple. It sector and reducing power prices. must be aligned with the science, it must be clear and effective, and it must deliver 2018 was a record-breaking year as the clean greenhouse gas emission reductions energy sector committed over $20 billion consistent with the Paris targets. Our current worth of investment in new wind and solar policy fails on all three counts,” said Climate farms creating over 13,000 new direct jobs in Councillor, Professor Will Steffen. rural and regional Australia. We also reached 2 million Australian homes with solar power. “On this pathetic performance, Australia is unlikely to meet its weak 2030 emissions We have delivered this remarkable amount of reduction target. And yet senior ministers investment because of the 2020 Renewable continue to falsely claim that emissions are Energy Target, which has provided a precious going down and that our Paris targets will be four years for the industry to make informed met,” said Professor Steffen. investment decisions.

“Delaying action has not made the problem But that target has now been met and the go away. It has just reduced the time we have momentum of our industry is at risk. left to cut emissions and made it more challenging to do so. The Federal Government We need our Federal Government to put in has squandered many opportunities and this place strong and enduring policy that will set will cost us dearly,” he said. a clear course for lowering our emissions in the electricity sector, so that we can continue Australia has recently experienced its Angriest to deliver more of what Australians want – Summer as climate change accelerates. clean and reliable electricity at affordable prices.

Page 6 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

We can’t afford to waste any more time. engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, UGL. Ahead of this Federal Election, we are calling on you to commit to strong and long-term Entura’s scope includes review of detailed clean energy policy. design documents, EPC contractor’s plans, test plans and the provision of technical We have the skills and expertise to transform advice on key aspects of generator Australia into a clean energy superpower. registration, construction and commissioning Don’t stop us now. activities.

Source: Clean Energy Council Genex Power expects the solar farm to be operational by the second half of 2019, with the capacity to power 23 000 homes, Entura appointed owner’s offsetting more than 100 000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. engineer for Jemalong Solar Farm Commenting on the appointment, Entura Director Dale Bryce said, “We are pleased to 30 April be acting as Genex’s Owner’s Engineer at Specialist power and water consulting firm Kidston and now at Jemalong, helping Genex Entura has been engaged by Genex Power to deliver its renewable energy vision. deliver owner’s engineer services for the

Jemalong Solar Farm in New South Wales. “As believers in dispatchable renewables we

have tuned our capabilities accordingly, The 50 MW solar PV project, near Forbes in especially in utility-scale hydropower, solar central-west New South Wales, was recently and wind farm developments, combining purchased by Genex Power. these with very strong power systems and

grid connection capability.” Entura was previously appointed as Owner’s

Engineer for Stage 2 of Genex’s 250 MW Entura is one of the leading consultants in Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and renewables development and integration in 270 MW in Queensland. Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with Entura also conducted due diligence work on significant experience in utility-scale the Jemalong Solar Farm prior to the purchase hydropower, solar and wind farms, energy of the project by Genex Power. storage and grid connection. The firm works

with clients to help tackle the challenges of “We’re pleased to be partnering with Entura creating hybrid renewable energy projects, again to support the delivery of our latest from grid-connected and utility-scale to small, project, in New South Wales,” said James isolated systems. Harding, CEO of Genex Power.

Source: Entura “Entura’s wealth of experience and capability in renewables and their integration into the network makes Entura the ideal partner to enable the success of our projects.”

As Owner’s Engineer on the Jemalong project, Entura will play a vital role in ensuring timely, quality outcomes for Genex Power during the design and construction phase of the project, working closely with the preferred

Page 7 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Electrical infrastructure “For new and existing businesses in Mackay, that means help to grow and create jobs into investment powers jobs the future. 1 May Queensland’s publicly-owned electricity “The project itself will support the almost 200 businesses are investing billions of dollars in Ergon jobs locally and also mean work for new and improved capital works, supporting construction contractors locally.” thousands of jobs from the Far North to the southern Gold Coast. Fabrication of the buildings, control panels and switchboards is underway at Minister Dr Anthony Lynham told Energy’s workshop at Banyo in . Parliament today that more than $1.5 billion in the current Budget was allocated to Energy Dr Lynham also highlighted in Parliament the Queensland capital works, supporting more latest Powerlink project to be completed: a than 7300 jobs state wide. $12 million project to replace secondary systems at Tully substation, supporting up to Queensland’s transmission company 28 jobs over four years. Powerlink has $232.7 million allocated for capital works in 2018-19. This infrastructure He told the house that replacing secondary investment will support more than 400 jobs. systems - the control, protection and communications equipment that operate the “This is our publicly-owned electricity assets transmission network - was cost-effective at work, assets that belong to the people of because it prolonged the life of the substation Queensland, re-investing in jobs and and avoided or delayed the need for new economic growth for the people of infrastructure. Queensland,” he told Parliament. “A significant proportion of Powerlink’s Among the dozens of projects state wide is annual capital works is now in connecting new the $28 million project to upgrade the renewable energy projects to the grid, substation that powers Mackay’s central increasing supply and helping Queensland business district. reach its target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030,” Dr Lynham said. “This important project will improve the reliability of the electricity supply for more “Those important projects include new than 4600 existing customers, including substations for the operators in the tourism, entertainment and near , the business precinct,” he said. near Cairns and the Whitsunday and Hamilton solar farms in North Queensland near Speaking outside Parliament, Member for Collinsville.” Mackay and Assistant State Development Minister Julieanne Gilbert said the upgrade Source: Queensland Government would improve reliability of supply for more than 4600 existing customers, including operators in the tourism, entertainment and business precinct.

“Mackay Regional Council has identified the city’s riverfront as a priority development area, so it reinforced the need to upgrade this ageing substation,” she said.

Page 8 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Energy storage innovation Globally, biogas is an increasingly important source of energy, from wastewater heating up with GAS-TESS management to agribusiness and landfill gas. launch 1 May Dr Kevin Moriarty states “Renewables are South Australian energy innovator 1414 about more than wind and solar. It’s time to Degrees strides ahead with its unique put our vast sources of biogas to more patented thermal energy storage system efficient and sustainable use. Naturally (TESS) powered by biogas. The gas started occurring biogas has the potential to lower flowing today from SA Water’s Glenelg the cost and increase the stability of energy Wastewater Treatment Plant, the company’s with reduced demand on fossil fuels.” first commercial pilot site. The GAS-TESS is co-funded by the South South Australian Minister for Energy and Australian Government’s Renewable Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan, launched the Technology Fund (RTF) and 1414 Degrees GAS-TESS by releasing the biogas from the shareholders. The development of the wastewater digestors. technology was assisted with a grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Executive Chairman of 1414 Degrees, Dr Kevin Industry, Innovation and Science. Moriarty said “This marks a pivotal phase in the commissioning process, firing the burners “This shows South Australia is leading energy for the first time and heating up the thermal technology development, something the energy store. Importantly, we will pay for the Marshall Government is fully committed to. biogas we use and sell electricity at market 1414 Degrees’ TESS is the result of prices to test the revenue model.” collaboration within our state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to global The GAS-TESS will enable SA Water to time- opportunities for SA. This new thinking is shift the use of its biogas to produce solving problems and creating opportunities electricity and heat on demand, rather than as we transition to a new energy use the biogas as its generated. environment. It will take innovative companies like 1414 Degrees to ensure SA Water’s CEO Roch Cheroux commented, energy security,” said Minister for Energy and “SA Water is working to reduce operational Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan. expenses to maintain low and stable water prices for our customers. Time shifting of heat Executive Chairman Dr Kevin Moriarty said and electricity output from the GAS-TESS is “We have a clear vision to scale our clean expected to provide more control over heat TESS technology to gigawatt hour capacity flows to maximise our biogas generation and and stabilise renewable generation. Our result in reduced costs of our energy progress today marks another step forward.” requirements.” 1414 Degrees’ energy storage systems will “Partnering with us to pilot this world first support grid stability by feeding power back technology demonstrates visionary leadership into the grid at peak times and provide heat for SA,” Dr Kevin Moriarty explained. “The for industrial purposes, thereby reducing wastewater management industry is watching costs for consumers and creating a more closely, as are many other heat dependent reliable source of power. industries looking to reduce energy costs, save jobs and lower environmental impacts.” Source: 1414 Degrees

Page 9 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Unlocking investment in The Australian Energy Market Operator has acknowledged the potential of these areas for renewable energy in South wind, hydro and solar energy. Renewable Australia energy development needs new transmission 1 May and other infrastructure investment to A Shorten Labor Government will unlock translate potential into real economic South Australia’s renewable energy potential benefits. – bringing in more investment and more jobs with the creation of a Renewable Energy Zone That’s why designating the Spencer Gulf in the state. Region as a Renewable Energy Zone is so important. Labor will make the Spencer Gulf region a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), encompassing It will mean the region will benefit from the stretch from the north of Adelaide, along potential support from Labor’s $5 billion the Yorke Peninsula, and around the top of Energy Security and Modernisation fund. This the Spencer Gulf down to Whyalla. is an integral part of Labor’s nationwide Energy Plan to deliver 50 per cent renewable Labor announced last year we would establish energy by 2030. a series of zones – based on an area’s renewable energy potential to bring a Labor’s comprehensive Energy Plan will strategic approach to developing Australia’s support the orderly transition to 50 per cent renewable energy industry and delivering our renewables by 2030, will deliver new 50 per cent renewable energy target. transmission investment, and a just transition for affected communities and workers. These zones will help coordinate investment in generation, storage and transmission, and After six years, the Liberals still can’t deliver a signal to investors the future sites for job- coherent energy policy, with the Australian creating projects. Energy Market Commission only this week again calling for “policy certainty integrating South Australia’s Renewable Energy Zone will emissions reduction and energy policy”. support increased investment in renewables, which will create jobs and bring power prices Only Labor has a plan to invest in renewable and pollution down. energy, modernise the electricity system, and bring power prices and pollution down. The Climate Institute estimates that these areas could support up to 1,300 new jobs in The Liberals have nothing but a record of renewable energy for people in regional South increasing prices and pollution and baseless Australia. scare campaigns.

South Australia has led the country with This election is a choice between Labor’s plan renewable energy investment, but we still for increased investment in renewables, or have huge untapped potential in the Spencer bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town Gulf region. under the Liberals.

Unlocking this potential will supply cheaper, After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our cleaner, renewable energy, as well as united Labor team is ready. providing a vital source of regional employment and reinvigorating towns around Source: Australian Labor Party the Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent regions.

Page 10 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Rushed new Queensland solar the Queensland Government continues to persist with a regulation that will kill off many rules to drive up costs, and clean energy apprenticeships. lead to industry slow-down 2 May “From 13 May, those businesses which New rules rushed through by the Queensland already have projects under construction are Government are likely to hit the commercial going to have to wear this extra cost, without solar sector hard when they come into effect the ability to pass this on to their customers. in less than two weeks, and will make it This means many small- to medium-sized harder for the state to meet its own businesses will be out of pocket,” she said. renewable energy target, the Clean Energy Council said today. Ms Freeman said that the sudden regulatory change had not been justified, with the Anna Freeman, the Clean Energy Council’s government not able to demonstrate a single Director of Energy Generation, said the new safety incident on a solar farm relating to the regulations for solar meant that electricians mounting and fixing of solar panels. had to be used for work such as carrying unplugged solar panels or bolting them to a “To our knowledge, no other jurisdiction on rail. the planet has such extreme and unnecessary regulation in place,” she said. “This is like having to call in an electrician to hang a TV on a bracket on your wall. It’s “We are asking the government to immediately absurd. It would be virtually impossible to delay this new regulation before people start electrocute yourself by handling an losing their jobs, so that proper consultation can unconnected panel. You’re at greater risk take place with the solar industry. from plugging in a toaster at home,” Ms Freeman said. “If the Palaszczuk Government is willing to return to the table, we are confident that we “The changes will drive up the cost of building can work co-operatively together with all both large solar farms and commercial solar parties to find a way forward that does not systems installed in places like shopping destroy jobs and investment.” centres, schools, swimming pools and factories. Estimates from solar businesses are Source: Clean Energy Council that the cost of building commercial projects will increase by 10 to 20 per cent, delaying the payback period for businesses and schools, PROJECT NEWS and making many projects unviable. Willatook Wind Farm Public comment has been invited by the “Combined with the effect on large-scale solar federal Department of the Environment & farms, these changes will slow the installation Energy on Wind Prospects’ proposed of solar across the state and make it more Willatook Wind Farm west of Willatook in costly for businesses to control their energy South West Victoria in Victoria. The proposal costs. is for a project with an estimated output capacity of approximately 400 MW. It covers “Not even an electrical apprentice will be able approximately 7,600 ha of private and public to handle and attach an unconnected solar land located within the Moyne Shire. The panel, so the opportunities for apprentices to proponent proposes to install up to 86 wind work in the new solar industry are going to be turbines and a battery storage facility within slashed. At the very time in which the Federal the site boundary. The model Labor Party announces its commitment to being considered for the purposes of this boost apprenticeships in renewable energy, referral is the GE-158 4.8MW.

Page 11 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

New rules to boost emergency “Using emergency reserves more frequently means higher costs associated with the RERT power supplies at lower cost making their way onto consumer bills,” he 2 May said. Enhancement to the reliability and emergency reserve trader – final determination 2 May “It’s time to enhance the emergency reserve 2019 framework to provide AEMO with the flexibility it needs to meet the operational Chairman of the Australian Energy Market challenges arising from the restructure of the Commission, John Pierce, today released new generation sector. rules for the emergency reserves framework which backs-up power supplies in the national The new RERT rules: electricity market. - Improve incentives for customers to reduce demand and minimise the need for The reliability and emergency reserve trader emergency reserves: We want incentives for (RERT) is the national electricity market’s more demand response so retailers and emergency reserve – it has always been part demand response providers can, for example, of the market’s reliability safety-net – and is reward customers who reduce energy use used by the system operator, AEMO, as a last- during heatwaves. Costs of emergency resort mechanism to keep the lights on. reserves will be recovered, where possible, from customers who caused the need for the “The new RERT rules boost the power RERT. system’s emergency reserve mechanism to - Increase transparency: AEMO will provide protect reliability at the lowest possible cost regular updates on how the RERT is procured to consumers,” Mr Pierce said. and used, and how much it costs. - Clarify the trigger: the RERT can be triggered “The changes also underpin the Energy if AEMO forecasts a breach of the reliability Security Board’s proposed retailer reliability standard which requires enough generation to obligation (RRO) which encourages service 99.998% of consumer demand. This investment in long-term capacity so AEMO is clarity helps the market plan operations and not forced to intervene more than necessary budgets. with higher cost safety-net options.” - Increase the lead time to buy reserves to 12 months: so the RERT can become part of the There has been a shortage of generation planned retailer reliability obligation (RRO). capacity on only a few days in the past The RRO has two triggers. The three-year decade, all during extreme heatwaves. AEMO trigger requires retailers to bring dispatchable has only used the RERT to supply demand firm capacity to market if there is a supply gap three times in the history of the market in three years out. If retailers have not filled the November 2017, January 2018 and in January gap 12 months out then AEMO can use the 2019. RERT. - Encourage a lower-cost competitive market “The market is at a cross-roads,” Mr Pierce response: We want the market to deliver said. lower cost reliability so we can reduce the need for emergency reserves. There are new “The power system is changing from a small requirements for emergency reserve number of large generators to a large number providers to enable this. of smaller generators and varied capacity - Provide guidance to AEMO on costs: in providers; the supply-demand balance is relation to the appropriate costs of tightening; and there are more extreme heat emergency reserve contracts, for it to events that can drive demand to peak consider when entering into emergency suddenly when power stations are already reserve contracts. under strain.

Page 12 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

- Provide AEMO with flexibility: AEMO has “It is a solution that would encourage flexibility and discretion as to how the investment in demand response and the right reliability standard is incorporated in its day- types of technology to support reliability – to-day operations, particularly through its and it’s a key action that governments can modelling and forecasting of power system take right now to boost everyday market risks. reserves and address consumer concerns about their power supplies. “At the same time it is more important than ever to address structural problems in the “The COAG Energy Council is already market’s ability to supply consumers with considering the RRO so it can start on 1 July as power when they need it – especially if those planned – and address supply issues that have market issues are triggering the need for emerged in the changing power system,” Mr emergency reserves more often,” Mr Pierce Pierce said. said. Source: Australian Energy Market Commission “The RERT played an important part in shielding Melbourne from even more widespread and longer power shortages WA's newest wind farm during January’s extreme weather event that coincided with unexpected generator officially opens breakdowns. 2 May - Minister Johnston attends formal opening of “But it’s not a tool to deliver more day-to-day in Hill River supply to the market, or to underpin new - Energy output from the wind farm could investment. It’s an emergency mechanism power 115,000 Western Australian homes that’s used when electricity supply can’t meet - The 130 megawatt wind farm will be co- consumer demand. located with the Badgingarra Solar Farm

“The larger issue is to get the overarching Energy Minister Bill Johnston today officially policy framework right to support the least- opened APA Group's new Badgingarra Wind cost commercial investments in the energy Farm in Hill River, 220 kilometres north of sector. .

“Reliability is holding up for now. But we need The $315 million Badgingarra Wind Farm some policy stability and coordinated consists of 37 wind turbines (3.6 megawatt) solutions like the RRO that can address the and will be co-located with APA's $40 million root cause of problems not more costly ‘stop 17.5 megawatt Badgingarra Solar Farm, which gap’ measures,” he said. is under construction.

“The RERT’s design is very specific to make Badgingarra's potential annual energy output sure it does not undermine incentives for is equivalent to powering about 115,000 efficient investment in the capacity the Western Australian homes. system needs. The project has received a network access “The RRO would make retailers enter into connection offer to the Western Power agreements with generators and demand network (North Country region). response providers who can guarantee capacity through variable weather conditions. Together with APA's nearby Emu Downs Wind This means the reliability standard in each and Solar Farms, the projects create a 247.5 region could be met if and when gaps are megawatt renewable energy precinct. expected.

Page 13 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill The projects have been sold with a 15-year Johnston: O&M contract in place with Vestas and a PPA "I'd like to congratulate the APA Group and to sell 100% of the power to Energy everyone else involved with the construction until 2030. of the Badgingarra Wind Farm. With a combined capacity of 14.4MW "It's well recognised that a major generated from four Vestas V126 3.6 MW transformation is underway in our State's turbines, the wind farms will produce enough electricity sector, with rapid uptakes of clean energy to power 9,000 Australian rooftop solar panels and battery storage homes. systems at households. David Shapero, Managing Director of BayWa "This transition is expected to continue in the r.e. Wind Pty Ltd., said, “The sale of our first coming decades and is being replicated in two Australian wind farms marks an electricity sectors all over the world. important milestone in furthering our wind farm investment in both Australia and the "Projects, such as Badgingarra, illustrate the wider APAC region. Having only started great potential we have in Western Australia construction of these projects in March 2018, to take advantage of these changes, we are delighted to have these wind farms particularly in creating valuable regional operational and sold in little more than a year. opportunities. Of course, the Future Energy team were involved from much earlier, progressing the "The McGowan Government is committed to projects from greenfield and we are rapt to minimising the costs of the transition to see the projects realised. The APAC region is renewable energy technologies, which is why an extremely important market for us and we we're developing a Whole of System Plan and are pleased to be advancing the region’s Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap." renewable energy credentials with these projects.” Source: WA Government BayWa r.e. will continue to support Epic Energy on the Timboon West and Yawong Sale of first Australian wind wind farms, providing ongoing technical management in the immediate term through farms to Epic Energy its team in Melbourne. 2 April BayWa r.e. has sold the first of its new “We’re really pleased to have secured the Australian wind farm developments to leading deal with Epic Energy. We look forward to energy infrastructure company Epic Energy. developing an ongoing relationship with them and, through our services team, ensuring that The two wind farms, known as Timboon West both wind farms continue to operate at peak and Yawong, are located in Western Victoria efficiency and make a positive contribution to and were acquired by BayWa r.e. in 2017 as Australia’s wind energy market long into the part of their investment in the Future Energy future,” added Mr Shapero. team and pipeline of wind and solar projects. Clive D’Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Epic During 2018, BayWa r,e, contracted, financed Energy, said “As Epic Energy’s first investment and constructed the two projects with in renewable energy, the Timboon West and commercial operations achieved by the end of Yawong wind farms mark an important new that year. chapter in our company’s history. As a long term owner and operator of energy infrastructure, we are excited to leverage our

Page 14 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) knowledge, experience and capabilities to meet Australia’s transitioning energy needs, and look forward to continuing to work with BayWa r.e. and building on the relationship established through this acquisition."

Across the globe, BayWa r.e. has brought over 2,500 MW of wind and solar projects online and its plans are no less ambitious for Australia, with further wind and solar farms in development and construction. BayWa r.e.’s Yatpool solar farm is expected to be operational by the end of 2019.

BayWa r.e. is investing heavily in the APAC renewable energy market. In addition to the development of these Australian renewable energy projects, it also has projects in development and construction in Malaysia and Japan, and is continuing to seek development opportunities in Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Source: BayWa r.e.

Page 15 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)