Project Update Week ending 18 May 2018

First Solar secures finance for May 2023, and the GST facility matures in May 2020. The Credit Facility is secured by NSW project pledges of the borrower’s assets, accounts, 11 May material project documents, and by the equity FS NSW Project No 1 Finco Pty Ltd, a limited interests in the entity. liability project financing company organized and existing under the laws of Australia and The Credit Facility contains customary an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of First representations and warranties, covenants, Solar, Inc., entered into a term loan and events of default for comparable agreement with MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Société construction loan facilities in Australia. Générale, Hong Kong Branch; and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Source: First Solar Facility provides for aggregate borrowings of up to AUD 151.0 million ($113 million) and NOTE: First Solar is developing the 87 MW has been entered into for the development Beryl Solar Farm in NSW. and construction of a photovoltaic power plant of up to 87 MWAC located in New South Wales, Australia. Downer awarded Beryl Solar The Credit Facility consists of an AUD 140.0 Farm contract million ($105 million) construction loan 14 May facility, an AUD 7.0 million ($5 million) goods Downer EDI Limited (Downer) announced and service tax facility (“GST facility”) to fund today it had been awarded an Engineering, certain taxes associated with the construction Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract of the project, and an AUD 4.0 million ($3 worth approximately $150 million by First million) letter of credit facility. The Solar for the 87MWac Beryl Solar Farm construction loan facility bears interest at 1- located about five kilometres west of month Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (“BBSY”) plus Gulgong, New South Wales (NSW). 1.55%, the GST facility bears interest at 1- month BBSY plus 1.00%, and the letter of “Large scale projects are critical to our credit facility bears interest at 1.10%. Interest regional communities and we are looking on the construction loan facility and the GST forward to partnering with First Solar to facility is payable monthly, and interest on the deliver the Beryl Solar Farm that will see letter of credit facility is payable quarterly. significant economic and environmental Upon completion of the project’s benefits in regional New South Wales,” said construction, the construction loan facility will Grant Fenn, the Chief Executive Officer of convert to a term loan facility, which bears Downer. interest at 3-month BBSY plus 1.45%, payable quarterly. The term loan facility matures in

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“This includes direct and indirect job creation, footprint will cover approximately 152 support for local businesses, and the hectares on farmland currently used for crop development of skills in a growing renewable raising and grazing purposes, located 10 km to sector.” the southeast of Narrabri township. It is proposed to connect the site to the 66kV First Solar’s Vice President of Asia Pacific, Essential Energy approximately 520m to the Steven Jackson congratulated Downer on the south of the site. award. Contact: Yu Chan “We look forward to working with Downer to Senior Project Manager successfully deliver the project. The Beryl Canadian Solar Solar Farm will be one of the first large scale Tel: (03) 8609 1844 renewable projects to use First Solar’s Series 6 Email: [email protected] thin film photovoltaic modules. Series 6 modules deliver more watts per connection than crystalline silicon modules. This enables Pollution jumps as Australia Downer to realise construction cost savings while maximising the energy production for buries its head in the sand the project site, resulting in a lower levelised 14 May cost of energy.” Australia’s greenhouse gas pollution levels have jumped yet again, with the latest When in operation, the Beryl Solar Farm will national government data released just days see electricity generated with no water use, after climate change was forgotten in the no air emissions, and no waste production, Federal Budget. with the smallest carbon footprint of any PV technology available. Climate Council Acting CEO Dr Martin Rice said the Quarterly Update of Australia’s When completed, the 260,000 advanced solar National Greenhouse Gas Inventory released modules on the Beryl Solar Farm will produce overnight shows an increase of 1.5% in energy to run approximately 25,000 average greenhouse pollution levels over the last year NSW homes, displacing more than 167,000 (December 2017). metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. “This is now the third consecutive year Australia has seen an increase in greenhouse Notice to proceed has been issued to Downer gas pollution levels. Yet, the Federal under the EPC contract and construction is Government continues to bury its head in the scheduled to take approximately 12 months. sand, despite the climate siren sounding for years,” he said. Source: Downer Group “This increase in emissions comes just days PROJECT NEWS after the Federal Government failed to Narrabri South Solar Farm introduce any funding measures to tackle intensifying climate change in the 2018 EIS for Canadian Solar’s proposed $80mil, 60 Budget.” MW Narrabri South Solar Farm placed on exhibition until 15 June. The project is “Australia is one of the most vulnerable effectively split into two “solar fields” (north countries to climate change in the developed and south fields) to protect existing native world, with worsening extreme weather vegetation centrally located on the site. The events including severe heatwaves, project will comprise approximately 200,000 supercharged storms, heavy rainfall, flooding, solar PV modules (Canadian Solar panels) on droughts and bushfires.” rows of single axis trackers. The development

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“In fact, just this week we have seen Tasmania compliant with the New Zealand Takeovers hit with extreme rainfall and flooding, with Code. rainfall records smashed in the city of Hobart over a 24 hour period.” Mercury Chief Executive Fraser Whineray said Tilt is an established business operating Dr Rice said Australia was at serious risk of power plants in a growing renewables market, further cementing its reputation as a ‘global with a quality development pipeline, good climate laggard’ following the release of the governance, and a strong management team new data. with a proven track record.

“As nations such as New Zealand continue to “Tilt has established a robust portfolio of show true climate leadership, Australia’s operating wind farms in both Australia and recent track record should serve as an New Zealand, as well as consented renewable embarrassment,” he said. generation projects which it can bring to market when conditions are right.” “The solution is here. Australia must demand credible climate and energy policy that For Mercury shareholders, this transaction is embraces our renewables boom, while aligned with our signalled strategy for transitioning away from ageing, polluting and economic growth, and follows the exploration inefficient fossil fuels. of other opportunities related to the electricity sector in Australia. “The window of opportunity to tackle climate change is rapidly closing and Australia must “The investment will allow Mercury to do its fair share instead of looking the other meaningfully participate in Australia’s way, all while our greenhouse gas pollution accelerating transition to renewable energy levels rise year after year.” sources,” Mr Whineray said.

Source: Climate Council The investment may provide further opportunities for Mercury to deploy funds to capitalise on Tilt’s established Australian Mercury acquires stake in Tilt position as projects are developed.

Renewables Limited “Together with its other shareholders, we 14 May look forward to being part of Tilt’s Mercury NZ Limited has reached agreement contribution to growing renewable electricity with the Tauranga Electricity Consumer Trust generation,” he said. (TECT) to acquire a 19.99% stake in Tilt Renewables Limited (Tilt). Source: Mercury NZ

Mercury and TECT have agreed a total purchase price of $143,895,594.60 or $2.30 PROJECT NEWS per share, payable in cash. Tilt is a listed Silverton company on the NZX and the ASX with ticker First of GE Renewables’ 3.4MW 130 turbines code TLT on both exchanges. successfully commissioned and feeding into

the grid at AGL Energy's Mercury has also secured an option to acquire near Broken Hill in western NSW. 58 turbines the remaining approximately 6.81% of Tilt will be installed in the first phase, with up to shares held by TECT at $2.30 per share, 172 turbines planned in total. payable in cash. The option is valid for six months. Any exercise of the option must be

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New Report: Renewables - Australian gas prices have tripled over the past five years. takin’ care of Aussie business - Australia is experiencing a boom in 14 May renewable energy with over 5,000 megawatts Australian businesses are jumping on board (MW) of renewable energy projects under the renewables boom, with almost half of the construction in 2018. nation's major companies making the switch - Business installations of solar have increased to clean, affordable and reliable renewable by 60% over 2016 and 2017, with over 40,000 energy, in a bid to take control of their power commercial solar systems now installed in bills and tackle intensifying climate change, Australia. according to a new Climate Council report. - 46% of major Australian companies say they are actively procuring renewable energy. The ‘Renewables & Business: Cutting Prices & - 80% of Australians believe big business Pollution’ report shows that the number of should be using renewable energy. Australian businesses installing solar power - 131 of the world’s largest companies plan to increased by 60% over 2016 and 2017, while be 100% powered by renewable energy. total business solar capacity has more than doubled since 2016. Climate Council Energy and Climate Solutions

Analyst Petra Stock said businesses were Climate Councillor and energy expert Greg naturally transitioning to renewable energy Bourne said electricity prices for small and battery storage, with wind and solar now business owners had skyrocketed by almost the cheapest forms of new-build energy 90% in less than 10 years, while gas prices had generation, far cheaper than a new coal tripled in half that time. power station.

“This report shows that the rising cost of “This transition is good for the pockets of energy is the number one concern for business owners and good for our climate, it Australian businesses over the next decade, really is a win-win.” so it’s no surprise that a variety of businesses from bakeries to breweries, and tech agencies “This report showcases a range of Aussie to chilli and chicken farms, are all turning to businesses who are benefiting from making the affordable renewable energy and storage switch to solar and wind, including eight New solutions,” he said. South Wales chicken farms that are saving an

astonishing $2,000 a day,” said Stock. “These businesses are actively investing in renewable energy in a bid to cut costs and “It simply makes good economic sense for take control of their power bills, while also businesses to make the switch to clean, playing a crucial role in transitioning the affordable and reliable renewable energy and nation away from ageing, polluting and battery storage. Renewables are taking care of unreliable fossil fuels.” Aussie businesses facing high electricity prices.”

“This is a world-wide transition, with “Despite the renewables rush, the Federal businesses around the globe taking advantage Government is still lagging behind. The of the investment opportunities associated proposed National Energy Guarantee (NEG), with renewable energy, with 131 of the in its current form, is woefully inadequate world’s largest companies on their way to when it comes to tackling climate change, and being powered by 100% renewables.” also places Australia’s business and

renewables boom at risk of grinding to a halt.” Key Findings Include:

- Electricity prices for residential and small Source: Climate Council businesses in Australia have increased between 80%-90% in just one decade.

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Large-scale solar shines in technology in Australia at the beginning of the decade to a genuinely game-changing form of Queensland during record power that is cheaper than new coal or gas. It year has exceeded the expectations of even the 15 May most optimistic predictions,” he said. Queensland is leading the national charge towards a record year for the large-scale solar “Along with the national Renewable Energy industry, Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Target, support from the Queensland Kane Thornton said today in launching the Government, the Australian Renewable 2018 Large-scale Solar Industry Forum in Energy Agency and the Clean Energy Finance Brisbane. Corporation has helped to make this one of the lowest-cost options we have for electricity Mr Thornton said 20 projects were actively today.” under construction, would soon start or had already been completed in the Sunshine State The full program and speaker list for the during 2018, and the flow-on benefits were Large-scale Solar Industry Forum can be found helping regional communities in solar on the Clean Energy Council website. A full hotspots such as North Queensland and the national list of renewable energy projects Darling Downs. under construction, completed or starting in 2018 is also available online. “Across the country, projects which are under construction, completed or have secured The Clean Energy Council would like to thank financial commitment add up to $5 billion in our major sponsor LONGi Solar for its ongoing investment, with Queensland investments support of the Large-scale Solar Industry contributing more than half – 52 per cent, or Forum. $2.6 billion. All up, large-scale solar activity in the state adds up to almost 2670 direct jobs Source: Clean Energy Council and 1400 MW of new clean energy,” Mr Thornton said. secures financing “The technology in the solar industry is forever evolving and maturing, and events like for Crowlands Wind Farm the Large-scale Solar Industry Forum allow 15 May industry professionals across all levels to Pacific Hydro has reached financial close on network and discuss issues and celebrate $80M of non-recourse project financing for its achievements for the industry.” 80MW Crowlands Wind Farm near Ararat in Victoria. Finance was provided by the The current boom in activity is something that Commonwealth Bank of Australia and will be a key topic of discussion at the Large- National Australia Bank Limited. scale Solar Industry Forum today. The sold-out event brings together 450 solar technical Pacific Hydro CFO Robert Spurr said of the professionals from across the country to learn transaction: “We are pleased to secure from experts in the field. financing for such an important and innovative project that has been supported by Mr Thornton said the dramatically falling cost so many committed stakeholders. We look of large-scale solar power this decade had forward to working further with our sparked a huge amount of interest in the financiers, contractors, advisers and the local sector from construction companies and Crowlands community to successfully deliver major financiers. clean energy to the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP) partners in 2018.” “Large-scale solar has gone from an emerging

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The Crowlands Wind Farm, approximately Global Wind Service 25km north east of Ararat in central Victoria, will comprise 39 Senvion wind turbines. successfully erects first turbine Approximately 140 jobs will be created during at Badgingarra, Australia construction with 10 permanent positions 15 May established during operations. Construction of Last Monday afternoon a team of skilled the project is underway with completion Global Wind Service (GWS) technicians anticipated in mid-2019. successfully installed rotor on the first of the 37 x SWT-3.6DD turbines at Badgingarra wind Power will be supplied by Pacific Hydro’s retail farm in Western Australia. arm, Tango Energy. A significant portion of the energy and Large Scale Certificates (LGCs) GWS has been contracted by Siemens Gamesa generated from the project will be sold to the Renewable Energy with the combined crane MREP group. and installation scope for the wind farm, and technicians have been working on site since Led by the City of Melbourne, MREP is a 14- the end of March doing pre-installation work. member buying group of local governments, cultural institutions, universities and The wind farm is developed and owned by corporations that have joined together to APA group and once completed, it will power facilitate the construction of a new renewable more than 115,000 homes in Western energy facility. In addition to the City of Australia with green energy, saving more than Melbourne, the group includes Australia Post, 420,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions Bank Australia, City of Port Phillip, City of annually. Yarra, Citywide, Federation Square, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Source: Global Wind Service Moreland City Council, National Australia Bank, NEXTDC, RMIT, University of

Melbourne, and Zoos Victoria. Senvion posts one of the best Planum Partners acted as financial adviser to first quarters in terms of order Pacific Hydro; King Wood Mallesons was the legal counsel to Pacific Hydro; and Gilbert + intake Tobin acted as legal counsel for the financiers. 15 May - Q1 revenues at EUR 256 million, with Founded in Australia in 1992, Pacific Hydro is adjusted EBITDA of EUR 1 million a global renewable energy owner, operator - 2018 guidance confirmed with 99% revenue and developer. It operates a high quality, coverage[1] diversified portfolio with an installed capacity - Q1 order intake up 37% year-on-year to EUR of ~850 MW across Chile, Australia, and Brazil; 484 million, five consistent quarters of order it is also developing a substantial number of intake growth projects totalling over 2 GW of potential capacity; and has a growing electricity retail Hamburg: Senvion, a leading global business in Australia (Tango Energy). Pacific manufacturer of wind turbines, has recorded Hydro is fully owned by State Power one of the strongest first quarter order intake Investment Corporation of China (SPIC). ever in the first three months of 2018 driven by solid business in new markets such as Source: Pacific Hydro Australia and India in particular. Order intake growth is expected to continue in 2018 due to a large pipeline secured in key markets, and it is likely to pave the way for further growth in 2019 and 2020.

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Senvion posted EUR 256 million in revenues While it is still focusing on the transition of its the first quarter 2018 (PY: EUR 392 Million). supply chain to reduce variable costs without The main reasons for this development were compromising on high quality standards, the the typical seasonality, witnessed in this efficiency measures in the "Move Forward industry coupled with the back-end loaded Program" are contributing to decreasing fixed nature of the installation schedule this year. In costs. line with revenues, EBITDA was also weaker resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of Manav Sharma, CFO of Senvion, stated: "Our 0.3%. Working capital was slightly higher, up financial performance was weaker during the 3.1% influenced by the build-up of inventory quarter mainly due to cyclical nature of the for the business installation phase in the business. But, we are happy to report further second half of the year. Given the soft start to improvements in our opex rate and interest the year and the higher working capital the costs. We were able to achieve a quarterly free cash flow amounted to EUR (59) million. opex reduction of 8 % on a year-on-year basis Nevertheless, Senvion remains fully optimistic in the first quarter and we expect to maintain that it will meet its 2018 revenue and EBITDA a stable cost base going forward. Compared targets against the background that 99% of with the first quarter of 2017, net interest the revenues are already covered at the lower costs were down by 34 % in the first quarter." end of our guidance range. Source: Senvion The order intake in the first quarter grew by 37 % year-on-year. The company's total order book amounted to EUR 5.2 billion, of which PROJECT NEWS EUR 1.9 billion was in firm orders, EUR 0.6 Girgarre Solar Farm billion in conditional orders and EUR 2.7 Leeson Group’s 118 MW Girgarre Solar Farm billion in service orders. In particular, the in Victoria approved unanimously by the onshore firm order book showed solid growth Campaspe Shire Council. The project will in the first quarter, growing by 35% and is include up to 368,000 panels on a 256 hectare expected to grow even further during the development site and be connected to course of the year. Senvion has secured Powercor’s 66kV Stanhope-Shepparton line. multiple exclusivities and preferred supplier The project will also feature a total of 18 status in many markets totaling to more than power conversion units each comprising 2.5 GW, which is expected to keep order inverter, transformer and switchgear, and a intake at a healthy level by the end of 2018. 111.43m long and 49.63m wide Containerised

Battery Storage Area. Senvion's CEO Jürgen Geissinger commented: "The first quarter is typically a soft quarter in our sector. We recorded thin operating margins due to lower revenues and Neoen begins construction on installation levels in this quarter. However, we Bulgana Green Power Hub were able to show a very solid strong growth 16 May in order intake in the first three months of this Leading renewable energy producer Neoen year. It was our best first quarter in terms today broke ground on its Bulgana Green order intake since IPO. It is a very encouraging Power Hub (BGPH) site, with State Minister sign and it underscores our outlook for 2018 for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and 2019. Our focus is now on making sure Lily D’Ambrosio turning the first sod. that we deliver our cost savings program in time." At the peak of construction, the integrated

wind farm and battery storage facility will Senvion is continuing to make good progress create up to 230 new jobs in the Stawell in implementing the announced strategy. region. Targeted for delivery in August 2019,

Page 7 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) the A$350 million BGPH will generate over more about the community fund, visit the 740,000 MWh of emission-free, clean, official BGPH website, or contact the team at competitive renewable energy per annum [email protected]. upon completion. Source: Neoen Neoen Australia managing director Franck Woitiez said the continued progress of the 100 per cent Neoen-owned project would not Energy Action awarded $1.2m have been possible without the support of the Victorian government and the wider solar PV contract community. 16 May - Energy Action secures contract to deliver a “We are delighted to commence construction 430.8kW solar PV system at Leichhardt on BGPH which is bringing a lot of Marketplace owned by Local Government opportunities in the Community. A lot of hard Super work has gone into ensuring the success of - Unique and innovative solution to install the facility, which will create a positive knock- solar system on purpose-built carpark shades on effect on the local people and economy,” - Strong pipeline of solar PV projects with 40 Mr Woitiez said. sites currently being assessed

“We will continue to work closely with the Leading energy management consultancy, council, neighbours and community at large Energy Action Limited (ASX: EAX) (The and ensure any disruptions as a result of Company) has been awarded a $1.2 million construction are kept to the absolute contract by Local Government Super (LGS) to minimum.” supply and install a 430kW solar PV system on the Leichhardt Marketplace car park in The Victorian government has committed to a Sydney. 15-year Support Agreement, a move that will contribute significantly to the Victorian This latest contract builds on Energy Action’s Renewable Energy Target (VRET), while existing pipeline of solar PV projects, with a Nectar Farms has signed a 10-year power total of over 2MW of rooftop solar PV purchase agreement (PPA) for the supply of delivered in the past 3 years and a growing competitive and reliable energy to its pipeline of solar projects across a range of glasshouse facility. Nectar Farms will take up industries. to 15 per cent of the energy produced by the Green Power Hub, with the remaining 85 per The scope of the contract with Local cent going directly into the grid. Government Super covers the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a 430.80kW As part of the company’s commitment to solar power system on a new purpose-built Stawell and to signify the next phase of the carpark shade structure, with construction project, a $120,000 per annum BGPH due to commence in May 2018 and Community Fund will be launched soon. The completion of works expected in September fund provides financial support to community 2018. groups for projects that will benefit and strengthen Northern Grampians and the The construction cost of the installation of the surrounding region and will be open for 25 carpark mounted solar PV system is $1.2m years. Projects that align with one of Neoen’s and is predicted to produce approximately community growth focus areas will be able to 600,000 kWhrs of electricity per annum which apply for funding. will supply 40% of the sites required energy usage and reduce the reliance on the already For any questions or concerns or to learn constrained grid.

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Scott Armstrong, LGS Property Portfolio for solar projects, we expect this level of Manager, said: “As a responsible owner, our demand to continue,” Mr Slavich added. aim is to minimise the environmental impact of our properties and maximise the returns Source: Energy Action for LGS members. We estimate that the return on the total investment from the new solar PV system at MarketPlace Leichhardt ARENA launches $7 million will be 13.7% per annum with a payback period of just over 7 years, and that’s great funding initiative for news for our members and the environment.” renewable energy to deliver

Energy Action continues to witness strong system security services demand from new and existing clients for 16 May solar PV solutions, across commercial, retail The Australian Renewable Energy Agency and industrial properties with a substantial (ARENA) has today announced a $7 million increase in the number of assessments funding initiative focused on trialling how undertaken on behalf of clients to assess their solar parks, wind farms or enabling suitability for solar, known as a Solar Viability technologies such as batteries can provide Analysis. grid stability and security services.

Ivan Slavich, Energy Action’s Chief Executive The increase in the share of renewable energy Officer, said: “We are pleased to have been and the retirement of traditional synchronous awarded this contract with Local Government generators can add to system security Super. To date, Energy Action has installed in challenges. Current techniques for managing excess of 2MW of rooftop PV across Australia, system security events include requiring gas including the iconic Sydney Theatre Company plants to curtailing how much electricity is and Canberra Ikea systems, and we continue produced by solar and wind farms. to build our pipeline of innovative solar PV projects.” ARENA will be looking for projects that offer new opportunities for renewable and “The nature of the contract demonstrates the supporting technologies to provide system innovative solutions that we are working on services traditionally performed by coal and to meet our client’s renewable energy gas-fired power plants. requirements. The system will be affixed to custom car shades thereby maximising the These projects can include system strength space for available use.” provision, frequency control ancillary services (FCAS), fast frequency response (FFR), inertia “We are currently seeing a rising demand provision and measurement and other amongst a range of commercial and industrial services that may enhance system security. clients to understand the benefits of installing onsite solar. In the first half alone, we have ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said conducted more than 20 Solar Viability demonstrating renewables could stabilise Analysis projects, an increase of almost 50% fluctuations in frequency and voltage which compared to the second half of 2017. could help pave the way for more renewables to join the grid. “At present, we are assessing the potential for solar PV across more than 40 sites including “System security has been a key focus of aged care, gaming and leisure, and industry regulators, the market operator and commercial facilities, and with electricity participants. It was also the priority of the prices more than doubling for some clients Finkel Review,” he said. and considerably reducing the payback period

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“As our electricity system transforms from a The connection agreement, which was also system of centralised synchronous generators signed by the Australian Energy Market to more diversified generation that includes Operator, set out the terms and conditions for more and more renewables, we need to find the wind farm to connect to Victoria’s ways to deliver power system stability and transmission network. security using less fossil fuels,” Mr Frischknecht said. AusNet Services will build, own and operate a new transmission line which will run 70 “If successful, these pilot projects will save kilometres south of the Stockyard Hill Wind consumers money and create new revenue Farm to a new 500 kilovolt (kV) terminal streams for solar, wind and battery station and network interface. AusNet operators,” he said. Services will also build, own and operate the new terminal station and network interface. Previously, ARENA has funded a successful trial of FCAS at in South Goldwind Australia’s Managing Director Mr Australia and a trial at John Titchen, said finalising the connection in Tasmania which is still underway. agreement is a key project milestone and paves the way for the construction of the Hornsdale is now registered for six of eight wind farm. FCAS markets and will provide insights into the cost-benefit of using pre-curtailment to “AusNet Services will deliver and operate the provide FCAS services from a new technology connection of , source. Australia’s largest wind farm, to the transmission network,” Mr Titchen said. “This funding initiative will build upon these projects and invites applications for additional “Preliminary works for the construction of the system services to be provided by renewable powerline, such as surveying and access track technologies,” Mr Frischknecht said. development, will begin shortly,” Mr Titchen said. “By reducing the need for thermal generation to keep the system stable, the cost of energy The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm will comprise of will reduce over time,” he said. 149 Goldwind advanced technology turbines. Goldwind Australia will provide Engineering, For further information and to apply, visit Procurement and Construction services to the www.arena.gov.au/funding project and the Warranty, Operations and Maintenance services once the project is Source: ARENA operational. Goldwind Australia has appointed a joint venture between SNC- Lavalin and WBHO as the Balance of Plant Goldwind’s Stockyard Hill contractor for the project.

Wind Farm connection The project is expected to create up to 300 agreement finalised jobs during construction peaks on site and employ up to 25 permanent maintenance 16 May staff once the wind farm is complete. Goldwind Australia and AusNet Services have signed the connection agreement for Once operational, Stockyard Hill Wind Farm construction of connection assets for the 530 will produce clean energy to power megawatt (MW) Stockyard Hill Wind Farm in approximately 391,000 Victorian homes. Victoria.

Source: Goldwind

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NEW PROJECTS Allens advises Queensland Bullarah Solar Farm Government on major solar Location: Bullarah, approximately 80km west of Moree in north-west New South Wales project Developer: Kinelli Pty Ltd 17 May Capacity: 5 MW Allens has advised the Queensland LGA: Moree Plains Shire Council Government (Economic Development Estimated cost: $6mil Queensland) on the lease of up to 1250 Description: Construction and operation of a hectares of underutilised state-owned land solar farm with a maximum transfer capacity for one of Australia's largest solar 4.999 MW AC on an approximate 133ha site. developments. The development will consist of: • Two solar arrays, 3 blocks wide (east-west) Following a competitive process, the and 8 blocks long (north-south). Each block is Government selected Acciona Energy as the made up of 760 PV modules arranged 19 PV successful bidder to build and operate a 265 modules long (north-south) and 40 PV megawatt solar farm at Gladstone under a 30- modules wide (east-west). The PV module will year lease. be a Global Tier 1 panel. • 2 combined inverter/transformer stations. Acciona has also committed to making • 8 battery storage containers with a significant investments in the local combined storage capacity of 20 MWh (2.5 community, supporting local jobs and MWh per container). manufacturers in delivering the project and • Overhead 22kV line with MV pole mounted establishing a community benefits fund to recloser. provide between $1.5 million and $3.6 million of funding for community initiatives and programs over the duration of the lease. Kentucky Solar Farm Location: Boggabilla, approximately 2.1km Allens advised on all aspects of the west of Goondiwindi in north-west NSW transaction, including the competitive Developer: Kinelli Pty Ltd procurement process, development and Capacity: 5 MW tenure issues and securing the community LGA: Moree Plains Shire Council benefit arrangements. The transaction further Estimated cost: $6mil builds on Allens' market-leading expertise in Description: Construction and operation of a infrastructure, renewable energy and solar farm with a maximum transfer capacity government projects. 4.999 MW AC. The development will consist of: 'We're delighted to have supported the • Two solar arrays, 3 blocks wide (east-west) Government in facilitating this significant and 8 blocks long (north-south). Each block is renewable energy project, which will be a made up of 760 PV modules arranged 19 PV major economic, social and environmental modules long (north-south) and 40 PV boon for the region,' said lead Partner Liam modules wide (east-west). The PV module will Chambers. be a Global Tier 1 panel. • 2 combined inverter/transformer stations. 'In one of the first transactions of its kind for • 8 battery storage containers with a the Government, this project not only combined storage capacity of 20 MWh (2.5 advances the Queensland economy as it shifts MWh per container). away from ageing industries, but also • Overhead 22kV line with MV pole mounted activates idle land and delivers important recloser. ongoing benefits for the local community.' Contact: Emma Mailler Email: [email protected]

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The advice builds on Allens' extensive Powerlink and Pacific Hydro Haughton Solar experience in renewable energy development, Farm Pty Ltd have also finalised a connection with the firm having recently advised on three agreement for the first stage of the potential solar farms in Queensland and New South 1200 hectare solar farm located about 60 Wales, a landmark portfolio of solar farms in kilometres south of Townsville. Queensland and Victoria and the Powering Australian Renewables Fund. Pacific Hydro has obtained planning approval from the Burdekin Shire Council for up to Source: Allens 500MW of solar generation – the equivalent of powering 170,000 average Australian homes.

Renewables flow for The Haughton project is Pacific Hydro’s first in the Queensland energy market and stage one Queensland will involve connecting 100 megawatts (MW) 17 May to Powerlink’s existing transmission network. Renewable energy continues to flow into Queensland’s electricity network, with the “The Haughton Solar Farm will create around state’s largest solar farm to date now 250 construction jobs and implement a supplying the grid and another signed up to number of initiatives to encourage local connect. suppliers and businesses to provide services to the project,” Dr Lynham said. Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the 130 megawatt (MW) Clare Solar Farm near “Up to 10 permanent operational jobs will also Ayr had started supplying electricity to the be created and Powerlink’s grid connection grid. works will support another 43 jobs.”

“This is further progress towards reaching our A total of more than $4.2 billion worth of projects 50 per cent by 2030 renewable energy target are currently either under construction or – when our five-millionth Queenslander hits financially committed, offering a combined high school age,” Dr Lynham said. employment injection of more than 3500 construction jobs across regional Queensland and “We have 890MW of renewables flowing into more than 2000 MW of power. the grid already, much of it from Queenslanders who have embraced rooftop Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said solar panels. Powerlink was responding to an unprecedented level of customer connection “Queensland’s large-scale renewable energy enquiries and applications. capacity is set to double over the next 12 months, as our $20 billion pipeline of “Powerlink expects to connect another 11 committed and potential renewable projects committed large-scale renewable projects starts to deliver. over the next 12 months across the state, representing about 1600MW of renewable “Latest figures from the Clean Energy Council generation,” Ms York said. show that more than half of all activity in large-scale solar in Australia is occurring in “We also have more than 150 enquiries or Queensland. Confidence in the Palaszczuk applications to connect totalling nearly Government’s renewable energy credentials 30,000MW and almost all of them are from and commitment is fuelling unprecedented renewable sources.” investment, and we know there’s plenty more on the horizon.” Source: Queensland Government

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Australia's energy The five priority areas the Report Card examined were: transformation: network • Improving trust with customers report card • Implementing new services to achieve 18 May system security A report card published today by Energy • Securing a stable carbon policy Networks Australia has found networks have • Incentivising efficiency and innovation made significant progress on the • Developing essential information tools for transformation to meet customer demand for a more cost effective grid. innovative, lower-cost energy solutions. One year on, the snapshot review found Energy Networks Australia CEO, Andrew significant work had been done to strengthen Dillon, said the 2018 Report Card showed the collaboration between networks and other implementation of the Electricity Network key stakeholders to ensure greater Transformation Roadmap had moved forward information sharing to better meet customer in all five priority areas identified since the needs. Roadmap’s publication one year ago. One key project being developed with the The only area that had not progressed as Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) quickly as network businesses would like was will deliver Open Energy Networks, a developing the government and sector guideline for integrating new technologies consensus needed to support fairer energy such as batteries and solar into a modernised pricing. grid.

“Better value for money is a priority and Cyber security capability has also been further reform is desperately needed if we are prioritised by networks, with further to enable the move to a fairer pricing system innovation expected over the next 12 months and save customers billions of dollars over to deliver additional Finkel recommendations coming decades,” Mr Dillon said. supporting the continued protection of Australia’s critical energy infrastructure and “We need governments to step up and systems. support networks as we implement pricing that gives our customers the right incentives “Overall, I commend Australian energy to unlock savings for all users.” networks for the significant progress made in such a short time,” Mr Dillon said. Developed in partnership with the CSIRO, 2017’s Electricity Network Transformation “However, we certainly can’t be complacent. Roadmap paved the way with practical, More work needs to be done – particularly by forward-looking solutions to address the government on tariff reform – but I know complex challenges facing our nation’s energy networks will continue to work electricity system. together, with government and with our customers to build a smarter and more Setting out 45 milestones and 158 actions, the affordable energy future for all Australians.” Roadmap provides a clear pathway for network businesses to respond to the The Electricity Network Transformation evolving environment with the agility, Roadmap 2018 report card can be viewed innovation and collaboration required to here. secure Australia’s energy future. Source: Energy Networks Australia

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