Project Update - altenergy.com.au · 7/24/2020  · Page 1 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database) Project Update Week ending 24 July 2020 Bango gets big

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

Project Update Week ending 24 July 2020

Bango gets big bang for buck from Cypress wind-turbine tech 19 July There’s been more than a little jubilation in the offices of clean-energy developer CWP Renewables, as the arrival in Newcastle of the first of 46 ultra large GE Cypress turbines — each of which can generate 5.3 - 5.5 megawatts (MW) — coincided with the achievement of a successful grid-connection agreement for the company’s Bango Wind Farm near Yass in New South Wales. Wind turbines worldwide are growing, sweeping a bigger slice of the sky to deliver the highest energy output from installations with the smallest footprint. Bango is the first project in Australia and the biggest in the world to deploy a revolutionary new turbine that not only provides 30% more energy than the preceding technology, but also features extended blades that can be delivered in two pieces, allowing it to be transported to sites with challenging access but great wind resource. “The Cypress platform is an innovative new technology that allows us to really optimise the wind sites we’ve identified to produce the lowest cost of power,” says Jason Willoughby, CEO of CWP Renewables, developer of Bango Wind Farm. He adds, “It’s critical for helping us to deliver the lowest cost, reliable, emissions-free power to our customers.” At the same time, new stringent rules governing connection of generators to Australia’s National Electricity Market require exhaustive modelling in any instance; rigorous testing of a new technology such as Cypress, that confirms its ability to contribute reliable

supply and stabilising characteristics to the grid, has become paramount. Australia’s electricity grid, designed to deliver energy from centralised coal plants, is struggling with a transition to renewable energy sources that are widely distributed throughout regional areas where the transmission network is typically weaker. The modelled ability of the Cypress platform to meet grid requirements has been a huge win. The scene was set for the lowest yet cost of wind-generated power in November 2018, when GE revealed the ingenious breakthrough behind its world’s-biggest wind turbine in a series of roadshows around Australia. With a rotor diameter of 158 metres, each Cypress turbine can power the equivalent of 2,200 average Australian homes, but the associated 77-metre long blade would have limited site selection, had it not been for an innovation pioneered by a triumvirate of lateral-thinking R&D hubs — GE’s Onshore Wind business, its Global Research Center and LM Wind Power, a worldwide leader in blade design acquired by GE Renewable Energy in 2017. The resulting carbon blade is manufactured in two sections, which can negotiate most bends on the roads to high-wind resources, and is then assembled — locked together — onsite. “The greater power generation of these turbines allows developers to reduce the number of machines that they need to install to meet the required output,” says Leo Cooper, country leader for GE Renewable

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

Energy Onshore Wind in Australia and New Zealand. “And there’s a commensurate reduction in construction costs,” he says. Cypress turbines will allow Bango Wind Farm to achieve a capacity of 240MW with its 46 turbines, along with the cost savings of not having to prepare access roads, concrete stands and electrical connections for the 10-15 extra turbines it would typically take to generate the same output. In addition, maintenance costs are reduced on wind farms that can deploy fewer turbines. “A lot of bidding activity came off the technology roadshow GE ran in 2018,” says David Lian, head of sales for GE Renewable Energy, Onshore Wind ANZ. Although most wind turbine manufacturers are now testing larger machines, GE is first to market, and its split-blade technology is a key differentiator in regions where road access presents insurmountable challenges to the long loads typical of transporting wind farm components. Bango Wind Farm’s successful connection agreement paves the way both for banks to lend to projects deploying Cypress technology, and for future grid connections by companies using the platform. Achieving connection, says Willoughby “was a collaborative effort between CWP, GE, the Australian Energy Market Operator and TransGrid, to work through all the challenges and requirements that come with connecting new technology for the first time.” As the original equipment manufacturer, GE drew on understanding gained from validating Cypress technology at various global sites, and on the expertise of its Energy Consulting team both in Australia and in the US. “That history of connecting many different types of power generation equipment over many decades — all that institutional knowledge that sits within GE — is essential to the grid process,” says Lian. Source: GE

Seven shortlisted for $70 million hydrogen funding round 20 July The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today announced that seven companies have been shortlisted and invited to submit a full application for the next stage of the Agency’s $70 million hydrogen funding round. In April, ARENA opened the $70 million Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round to help fast track the development of renewable hydrogen in Australia. The funding round is expected to play a significant role in supporting commercial-scale deployments of renewable hydrogen in Australia and commence the pathway to achieving the Australian Government’s goal of ‘H2 under $2’. The shortlisted applicants are:

APT Management Services Pty Limited ATCO Australia Pty Ltd Australian Gas Networks Limited BHP Billiton Nickel West Pty Ltd Engie Renewables Australia Pty Ltd Macquarie Corporate Holdings Pty

Limited Woodside Energy Ltd

The total grant requested across all seven is over $200 million, with a total project value of almost $500 million. All applicants have well developed projects that involve deploying 10 MW or larger electrolysers, made up of various end uses including transport, gas injection, renewable ammonia production, power and industrial use. Among the shortlisted applicants, there are four projects based in Western Australia, and one each in Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria. ARENA aims to support two or more of the shortlisted large scale renewable hydrogen projects. These projects will be expected to be among some of the largest electrolysers in the world. Each project will need to be powered

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

by renewable electricity, either directly or through a contracting approach. During the initial application stage, ARENA received 36 expressions of interest, totalling more than $3 billion of renewable hydrogen projects. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: “We’re excited to be able to invite these seven projects to submit full applications for ARENA funding. Our ultimate goal is to bring the price of renewable hydrogen down to be competitive with other forms of energy and be at the forefront of renewable hydrogen production. The best way to help build a hydrogen industry is to support projects that will help demonstrate the technology at scale, and share the lessons learned to help the industry as a whole reduce risk and costs as well as increase efficiency.” “A thriving renewable hydrogen production sector will not only help our heavy industry and transport sectors to reduce emissions, but will provide the platform for Australia to export renewable energy and reduce emissions beyond our borders,” he said. Applicants invited to the full application stage will have until January 2021 to prepare their application. ARENA expects to select the preferred projects by mid 2021.Successful projects are expected to reach financial close by late 2021 and commence construction in 2022. All applicants may also be considered for financing from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) under the CEFC’s $300 million Advancing Hydrogen Fund. ARENA has already committed over $55 million for renewable hydrogen projects including $22.1 million towards R&D projects, as well as feasibility studies into large scale projects and smaller scale demonstrations looking at renewable ammonia, power to gas and hydrogen mobility. For more information, visit the ARENA funding page. Source: ARENA

NEW PROJECT

Karrabin Solar Farm Location: Karrabin, Queensland Capacity: 50 MW AC Developer: EIWA Group LGA: Ipswich City Council Status: Approved by council. Estimated cost: $80mil Description: The Karrabin Solar Farm is situated approximately 5km west of Ipswich on an 85ha project area and will consist of approximately 145,000 photovoltaic modules mounted on fixed structures & 23 x Inverters, 11 x transformer stations and 1 x high voltage switching station. The solar generation would connect to the Energex 33kV network passing through the property with a newly established switching station. The solar facility is expected to create fifty 50 jobs during the construction phase and have up to five full-time staff and five part-time staff when operational. Contact: Patrick Lau Engineering Director EIWA Queensland Email: [email protected]

The Global Warming Solution is a better more affordable concept to combat Global Warming Launching a people-powered initiative to make Sydney one of the most sustainable cities in the world. Established in 2020, The Global Warming Solution is a people-powered initiative taking action on climate change through the uptake of renewable energy in cities and the country. The Global Warming Solution is focused on acting now to create a more sustainable future by providing an accessible, effective community platform to directly contribute to renewable energy projects. An independent organisation that’s focused on planet earth, not politics, the organisation’s mission is to leave the planet in a better place than we found it – city by city,

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

country by country; starting with Sydney, Australia. Phase one will see The Global Warming Solution unite Sydney-siders to help Sydney become one of the most sustainable cities in the world. “We are facing a climate emergency. Australia has experienced the hottest and driest year on record – extreme weather conditions, fires, drought, floods, food shortages and social and economic upheaval. “It’s now time to make a change. We believe we have an ethical and moral responsibility to take action and protect our community. People want to act, but the problem seems so big that they don’t know how. That’s why we’ve created a better more affordable concept to combat global warming. Our online community platform provides a real, tangible solution for people to make a difference and will tap into the communities willingness to pay estimated at A$4.0 billion per annum in Australia,” says Roger Bain, Founder and Managing Director of The Global Warming Solution. The Global Warming Solution online community platform enables everyone to join a community of people determined to do something about climate change and directly contribute to sustainable energy projects. For as little as a coffee a week, people who join will contribute directly to a fund to help build sustainable development of wind and solar farms. “We are tackling global warming by building wind and solar farms that provide clean and affordable energy for everyone. Enrolling the community to come together and contribute to the cause will mean that unlike traditional renewable energy sources, our wind and solar farms will operate at break-even after refurbishment costs to produce the cheapest possible energy at around A2.5 c/kWh,” explains Bain. The Global Warming Solution has identified many locations in Sydney for Renewable Energy including Sydney Harbour and Botany

Bay, but the first project is a wind and solar farm and Sustainable Development education centre at North Head, Sydney. The proposed project, which has 65% support from Sydney-siders, is strategically-placed on the coastal edge of the site, ensuring maximum capture of wind and minimum impact on the local area. In addition to funding renewable projects, the platform is a resource for those looking for information and inspiration to ‘go green’ and contribute to a better future. We unite communities through a desire to make a difference, educate on what can be done and provide a cost-effective, easy and impactful way for anyone to contribute towards addressing climate change. We will give visual updates on the progress of our solar and wind farm projects to keep our community engaged and rallied to drive change. The future is literally in the hands of the people and the peoples Sustainable Revolution online should emerge and become a reality fixing global warming and climate change much faster, concludes Bain. Source: The Global Warming Solution

PROJECT NEWS

Robinvale Solar Farm The 7.5 MW (AC), single-axis tracking Robinvale Solar Farm completed construction and commissioning early last month and was connected to the local 22kV network in regional Victoria. The project was developed by Suntech who now own and operate the farm. CTP supported the project's principal contractor, AC Energy, with protection design, earthing design, SCADA specification and provision of an integrated HV connection facility. This project overcame both bushfire and COVID-19 disruptions to be delivered on schedule. Source: CTP

Page 5 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

First turbine erection completed at the Waipipi Wind Farm 20 July Tilt Renewables Limited (“TLT”) is pleased to announce that the first wind turbine has been successfully erected at the Waipipi Wind Farm (“WWF”) located near Waverley in South Taranaki, New Zealand. This wind turbine is the largest ever installed in New Zealand, both by generation capacity (4.3MW) and size (130m rotor diameter), and marks the first multi‐MW class wind turbine to be installed in New Zealand since mid‐2014. TLT CEO Deion Campbell said, “Tilt Renewables is excited to have reached this milestone at Waipipi and is proud to be again leading the industry, installing the largest turbines ever seen in New Zealand. Our focus on gaining resource consents that can accommodate technology improvements over time, means we can deploy the latest technology and deliver competitively priced renewable energy. As New Zealand’s most credible and proven independent renewables developer, with a pipeline of consented projects, we look forward to contributing further to the Government’s goals of decarbonising the New Zealand economy”. Construction is progressing well, despite the earlier 5 week disruption of construction activities due to restrictions imposed by the New Zealand Government to control the spread of COVID‐19 and the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID‐19 pandemic to both the supply chain and skilled personnel movement. To date, 18 of 31 wind turbine foundations have been poured, the installation of underground 33kV cable reticulation is complete, and all 110kV transmission line poles have been installed. All wind turbine components have been manufactured and have either arrived in or are en route to New Zealand. TLT anticipates achieving commercial operation of the WWF in Q1 2021, in line with previous expectations.

Pleasingly, to date no Lost Time Injuries have been recorded at the project during more than 140,000 working hours and the site is operating effectively under its COVID‐19 construction management protocols. Environmental and cultural heritage impacts continue to be well managed, supported by one of the projects key stakeholders, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi. When complete, the WWF will be TLT’s largest single asset in New Zealand, consisting of 31 x 4.3MW wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 133.3MW, and expected to produce annual average electricity generation of 455GWh, enough for around 70,000 homes. The wind turbines are manufactured by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (“SGRE”) who is also providing a comprehensive 30‐year Operations and Maintenance Agreement, demonstrating just how suitable these machines are for this site. 100% of the clean energy produced by the Waipipi Wind Farm, for the first 20 years of operation, will be sold to Genesis Energy Ltd. Campbell further noted, “with its distributed, flexible hydro generation, plus base load geothermal generation, New Zealand can definitely move closer to 100% renewable electricity generation, potentially attracting large energy intensive industries and enhancing the value of exported products. This is a unique position that the country should take full advantage of”. Source: Tilt Renewables

Request for Expressions of Interest The project intends to provide transmission connection solutions for renewable energy projects in Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Arche Energy is seeking expressions of interest from renewable energy project developers interested in obtaining firm

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

transmission capacity from New South Wales’ New England or Queensland’s Granite Belt regions into the 330 kV Powerlink Network in Queensland. Subject to receiving sufficient expressions of interest, Arche Energy will then seek development funding to progress the project through the development phase. New England Link will provide an alternative path to market to New England and Granite Belt renewable energy projects allowing greater utilisation of these wind and sun rich regions. Projects located in the region loosely bounded between Glen Innes, Inverell, Texas and Warwick will benefit most from the project. To express interest, please email [email protected] with details of your project (including: capacity required, generation type, project timeframe and location). Source: Arche Energy

NEW PROJECT

Bell Bay Solar Farm Location: George Town in northern Tasmania Capacity: 4.99 MW Developer: Climate Capital Status: Development application submitted to local council. Description: Install and operate a solar farm using tracking solar panels and associated infrastructure including solar panels (tracking) on ground‐based mounts and an inverter (mobile, purpose‐built and already constructed). A connection will be constructed/provided to the grid by TasNetworks. Contact: Shane Bartel Chief Operating Officer Tel: (03) 9652 9517 Email: [email protected] Webpage: www.climatecapital.com.au

Aussie Clean Jobs Plan: new report 21 July New economic modelling from AlphaBeta has found 76,000 jobs can be created across Australia, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change. “The Clean Jobs Plan identifies a dozen policy options which can create jobs fast, where they are needed and for people who need them most,” said AlphaBeta Director, Andrew Charlton. “The job creation could start immediately and continue over three years. Federal, state and territory governments all have the opportunity to put these measures in train,” said Mr Charlton. “Australia has seen steep job losses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the right policy measures, thousands of jobs could be created in large-scale renewable energy, ecosystem restoration and the collection and processing of organic waste,” he said. Report Key Findings

Across Australia, up to 15,000 jobs could be created in large-scale renewable energy, including solar and wind farms, upgrading transmission infrastructure and adding utility-scale batteries.

Approximately 12,000 jobs could be created in ecosystem restoration including 5,000 in Queensland.

Thousands of other jobs could be created in the collection and processing of organic waste; making homes and public buildings more energy efficient; expanding urban and peri urban green spaces; community scale energy storage and generation; green hydrogen and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure

Regional Australia would benefit substantially from the Clean Jobs Plan because more than 40% of the job opportunities identified are located in regional parts of the country

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

70% of job opportunities are in construction and administrative, support & logistics services – sectors where 80,000 workers have already lost their jobs.

“The opportunities identified in our modelling work are shovel ready. One third of the jobs would require less than 12 months of retraining, meaning that workers who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis could be rapidly employed,” said Mr Charlton. “Economic recovery is a national priority, and all governments have a crucial role to play in making targeted investments,” said non-executive director and Climate Council board member, Sam Mostyn. “Most of the 12 stimulus options can leverage significant private investment for the Australian economy. Investment in pilot-scale green hydrogen facilities would unlock $4 for every dollar of public money; utility-scale renewable energy unlocks $3 for every dollar invested,” said Ms Mostyn. “The Clean Jobs Plan is unique because of the speed at which it can get people back to work. It puts us on a practical, jobs-rich path and focuses on areas most in need. It sets us up for the future, by creating jobs and tackling climate change. It’s a win-win solution,” said Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie. The Cleans Jobs Plan was commissioned by the Climate Council. AlphaBeta is part of Accenture. Download a full version of the report here Source: Climate Council

NEW PROJECT

Ground-breaking dispatchable clean energy development to bring jobs and power to Mount Isa 21 July Mount Isa has been identified as the preferred site for a $600m dispatchable energy project using cutting-edge Australian solar thermal technology to power the community and resources sector with low cost, clean electricity. Australian company Vast Solar is looking to develop a 50MW power plant that will deliver a jobs boom for the area, including hundreds of construction jobs during the two-year project build and dozens of permanent, highly skilled operational jobs. The plant will combine solar PV, a large-scale battery and gas engines with Vast Solar’s own concentrated solar thermal power technology, using mirrors and receiving towers to gather and store the sun’s energy. These integrated generators will reliably deliver dispatchable clean energy 24 hours a day. The plant will produce 85% clean energy and use significantly less fuel than current generators. Lower fuel costs and the plant’s 30 year operational life mean the $600m upfront investment will deliver significantly cheaper energy than alternate baseload generation options over the lifetime of the project. Mayor of Mount Isa, Danielle Slade, commented: “Not only is this exactly the type of project our community needs, but with clear, sunny skies for most of the year and an extra hour of sunlight to the rest of Queensland, Mount Isa is the ideal area in which to locate it. Our local industries are crying out for affordable electricity and, coupled with the CopperString 2.0 project, this solar initiative will help to make that happen. “As well as bringing direct employment opportunities, it will indirectly safeguard many other jobs by generating competitively

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

priced, low-emissions electricity that can power local businesses and resources operations, making Mount Isa an even more attractive city in which to live and invest. We will be working closely with Vast Solar to help them realise their exciting vision.” Vast Solar is currently in discussion with investors and major energy users in the area whose backing will be critical for the project. Solar thermal technology is identified in the Federal Government’s recently released Australian Technology Investment Roadmap as a critical part of the country’s future dispatchable clean energy mix. Vast Solar’s Australia-made technology has been successfully deployed at its pilot project in regional NSW which has been grid-connected since 2018. The pilot project created dozens of jobs and injected over $5,000,000 into the local economy. Craig Wood, CEO of Vast Solar, said: “We’ve been delighted with the positive discussions we’ve had with political leaders, industry and the local community. If we get the green light to progress, we will be a long-term partner of Mount Isa and the surrounding area, creating jobs and tangible benefits that will last for the lifetime of the plant. “Total investment in the plant is expected to be in excess of $600m and we are committed to using local suppliers where possible. “Our plant will deliver new generation to the local electricity market at a lower cost than current power plants. This will ensure local mining and smelting operations can access reliable low-cost energy that also reduces their emissions – a key focus for resources companies.” Vast Solar has been advised on the development of the project by Energy Estate, a leading Australian energy advisory and accelerator firm. Source: Vast Solar

Delburn Wind Farm referral decisions 21 July The outcomes of our recent environmental referrals have been announced. A delegate of the Federal Minister for the Environment has decided that the construction of the proposed Delburn Wind Farm is a not controlled action. Please refer to the website http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/ referral number 2020/8688 for further details. This decision means that the federal government is satisfied that the project will not have a significant effect on any matters of national environmental significance and that no further assessment under the EPBC Act is required. EES Decision The Victorian Minister for Planning has made the decision that an EES is not required for the Delburn Wind Farm, subject to certain conditions. Further information can be found at https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environment-assessment/referrals-and-decisions. This decision alone does not constitute approval for the project to proceed. It means that an application for planning approval for the project will be assessed under the Planning and Environment Act. Next Steps The next step in the planning and approvals process is for the Delburn Wind Farm to lodge an application for a planning permit. Once the application has been lodged, OSMI will formally notify various stakeholders and neighbours of the project. The planning permit approval process will involve a panel hearing, which will allow community members to voice their opinions on the project. Once OSMI has considered the conditions of the Minister for Planning's decision further updates will be provided on the likely timing of an application for planning approval being submitted. Source: OSMI

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

Demand and price reductions due to COVID-19 22 July Key findings for Q2 2020: · COVID-19 had modest impact on overall electricity demand and indirectly impacted on prices · Lowest east coast wholesale gas and electricity prices since 2015 · NEM black coal-fired generation at its lowest Q2 level since 2014 · New minimum Q2 demand records in WA Despite the widespread economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, its effect on Australia’s total electricity demand in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020 was modest but lower oil and gas prices did contribute to lower wholesale prices across the National Energy Market (NEM). As highlighted in the AEMO's Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report for Q2 2020, NEM operational demand was down 2% when compared to Q2 2019, with COVID-19 contributing to an estimated 2.1% reduction and an increase in rooftop PV contributing a further 1.2% reduction. This was offset by increased heating requirements due to cooler weather, which increased demand by 1.3%. By sector, there were large reductions in commercial demand (around 10-20%), large increases in residential demand, with industrial demand mostly flat. AEMO Managing Director and CEO, Audrey Zibelman, said: “Operational demand reduced by an average of 429 MW across the NEM, with the largest reductions being observed in Queensland and New South Wales due to these regions experiencing the biggest uptake of rooftop PV and largest COVID-19 induced demand reductions. “COVID-19’s impact is estimated to have reduced demand in Queensland and New South Wales by 4.8% and 2.6% respectively, while South Australia’s demand increased, mostly due to colder weather increasing

electricity usage for residential heating,” Ms Zibelman said. “NEM wholesale electricity prices fell to the lowest levels since 2015 ($32-43/MWh), driven by an increase in low-priced supply from all fuel types - lower gas and coal prices, increased hydro output due to higher rainfall, and new variable renewable supply, as well as COVID-19 related demand reductions. Grid-scale variable renewable energy (solar and wind) accounted for 13% of the generation mix, up from 10% in Q2 2019 due to increased supply coming into the system, while hydro output increase from 8% to 9%. “Wholesale gas prices continued to fall, with the Gas Supply Hub reaching its lowest level since Q4 2015 and the Victorian Declared Wholesale Gas Market since Q1 2016. Price decreases were due to decreased demand from LNG and gas-powered generation, declining international gas prices, lower electricity prices, and increased supply,” she said. The report also identified NEM emissions declined to record lows, and black coal-fired generation reached its lowest Q2 level since 2014 due to reduced demand and displacement by lower-priced generation. “Pleasingly, NEM system costs returned to typical quarterly levels of around $60 million compared to $310 million last quarter, following record levels due to major power system separation events relating to severe weather and bushfires,” she said. In WA’s Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM), COVID-19 had no overall demand impact, but shifted consumption from the morning to evening peak. However, a combination of higher average temperatures and continued uptake of distributed PV, resulted in average operational demand decreasing by 8.2% compared to Q2 2019. Further, a new record minimum demand for Q2 was set, with operational demand reaching 1,155 MW on Sunday, 26 April. Source: AEMO

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

Major study to tackle weak, unstable energy grids 22 July On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has today announced $495,680 in funding to the Grid Innovation Hub at Monash University to conduct a desktop study that will explore how to manage unstable and weak parts of the electricity grid. Researchers at the Grid Innovation Hub will conduct the desktop study to explore issues and strategies associated with connecting renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind and battery projects into weaker parts of the National Electricity Market (NEM). The $1.3 million project will use the West Murray region of the North West Victorian network as a case study due to the region’s current system stability challenges. Outcomes and outputs from the study will be applicable to other Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the NEM such as the Central West Orana REZ in NSW. The study is supported by stakeholders who will be providing in-kind support including the grid inverter technology provider ABB, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and AusNet Services. The study will survey grid stability issues, and will explore a variety of techniques to manage them including the siting and operations of technology such as synchronous condensers, wind and solar farms, and battery systems incorporating advanced inverter systems. The project will facilitate enhanced understanding of weak grid areas, providing an opportunity for NEM stakeholders to understand and explore solutions to current and emerging issues. Key outcomes of the study include aiming to improve the understanding of approaches to mitigate grid connection risk for renewable developers, increasing hosting capacity in weak networks and supporting a greater

understanding of power system security and reliability when operating with higher shares of renewable energy. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said: “Australia’s power system is currently undergoing a major transformation, with the rise in inverter-connected solar and wind. These renewable resources are typically located in weaker areas of the grid, causing stability issues.” “Monash’s study, while looking at North West Victoria, will aim to provide a solution for other renewable energy zones across Australia and help to increase the value delivered by renewable energy, reduce or remove barriers to renewables uptake and help to increase the overall skills and capacity in this important area.” Mr Miller said. Dr Tony Marxsen, Chairman of the Monash Energy Institute’s Grid Innovation Hub, said the goal is to explore new approaches to connecting large renewable energy sources to power Australia’s future, from coast to coast, sustainably and affordably. “Australia’s renewable energy future will use decentralised energy sources in areas of high winds and lots of sunshine – and these areas tend to be remote from cities, where the grid is weak. Even with the strengthened interconnections foreseen in AEMO’s Integrated System Plan, the problem of weak grids in remote areas will continue to challenge large renewable investments,” he said. Dr Behrooz Bahrani, Director of the Grid Innovation Hub, said: “This project should provide insights and possibly even pre-engineered solutions to ease the burden of grid stability and security, and speed up connection approvals.” AEMO Managing Director and CEO, Audrey Zibelman, said: “Australia has the technical capability to operate our power system with solar and wind generation contributing up to 75 per cent of our energy at times.

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

“AEMO looks forward to supporting this important government-funded project that will contribute to maintaining system security in a transitioning National Electricity Market with a high share of renewable resources,” she said. Source: ARENA

New collaboration to drive increased uptake of renewables in Australia 22 July The Clean Energy Council and Bioenergy Australia today announce that a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations has been signed to drive an increased level of understanding, uptake and engagement in renewable energy generation in Australia. Bioenergy involves the efficient extraction of sustainable energy from biomass residues, including agricultural, forestry and municipal wastes. The International Energy Agency’s market analysis and forecast report has identified that bioenergy was the source of half of all renewable energy used globally in 2017 and is forecast to see the biggest growth in renewable consumption between 2018 and 2023. Typical forms of bioenergy are liquid transport fuels, green gas and electricity and heat. Research by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has found that bioenergy could contribute up to 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity generation in 2030, something that Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton says should be embraced as the nation looks towards a cleaner future. “Bioenergy can operate across the entire energy system and supports domestic fuel security, emission reduction and waste minimisation. Bioenergy is also a key opportunity for transitioning regional Australia and providing billions of dollars in

investment and hundreds of thousands of jobs,” says Thornton. “Bioenergy can operate to support other renewable energy types, and we look forward to driving a collaborative renewable energy sector moving forward.” Looking at the transport industry, biofuels have been identified as a key player in the decarbonisation of the sector, particularly in heavy road vehicles, aviation and shipping. A recent report by ClimateWorks Australia highlights that mainstream use of biofuels is assumed to begin in 2030, reaching a penetration of 44 per cent of aviation fuel and 25 per cent of shipping fuel by 2040. Similarly, bioenergy systems are the largest source of existing renewable process heat and are increasingly adopted where a low or zero cost biomass resource is available. In such cases, they are often already cost-competitive with gas or other fossil fuel sources. According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, meeting up to around 30 per cent of total national heat demand is technically possible. Bioenergy Australia CEO Shahana McKenzie adds “The 2019 announcement by Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor for the development of The National Bioenergy Roadmap presents a significant opportunity for the integration of bioenergy and bio products within the renewable energy agenda. “The Clean Energy Council and Bioenergy Australia, alongside all their members, look forward to a productive working relationship.” Source: Clean Energy Council and Bioenergy Australia

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

NEW PROJECTS

Monash Solar Farm Location: Monash, SA Capacity: 100 MW Developer: Renewable Energy Developments Status: Submitted to state government for development approval Description: Construction of a solar farm up to 100 MW and associated switchyard, substation, synchronous condenser plant, access points, security fencing and civil works. The project area is split into two sections approximately 3 – 3.5km north-east of Monash township. The facility will be connected to the local electricity network via a new substation to facilitate a direct connection into the existing 132kV overhead line which runs to the northwest from the Monash substation across the subject land. Contact: Colin Liebmann Title: Director Tel: (02) 9416 1001 Email: [email protected]

La Trobe passes net zero solar milestone 23 July La Trobe is destined to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2029 with the completion of an ambitious solar energy project at its Bundoora Campus. The University has today energised 7500 solar panels on roofs around the campus in Melbourne’s north. The new solar panel system, which will generate 2.5 MW of clean, renewable electricity, is a cornerstone of La Trobe’s Net Zero Plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2029 through renewable energy projects, energy efficiency improvements and waste reduction on campus. La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the University is proving it is serious about sustainability. “These panels will supply up to half of the campus’s energy needs on days of peak solar efficiency,”

Professor Dewar said. “Having 7500 solar panel system installed across 25 buildings will reduce our carbon emissions by 4000 tonnes each year and is a major investment in our renewable energy future.” Professor Dewar said as part of the Net Zero plan, 24,000 energy efficient LED lights have been fitted in 100 buildings across La Trobe’s Bundoora, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and Albury-Wodonga campuses. Regional campuses are already using power from a total of 3300 solar panels. “These combined measures will reduce our carbon emissions by 15 per cent this year and deliver financial savings through reducing our energy bills for the next 25 years,” said Professor Dewar. La Trobe students and staff are now using software developed at the University to monitor energy production and identify further energy efficiency improvements. Source: La Trobe University

PROJECT NEWS

Woolooga Solar Farm Lightsource Australia has applied for a generation authority for its proposed Woolooga Solar Farm in Lower Wonga within the Gympie Regional Council local government area of Queensland. The project will consist of two solar arrays on separate land parcels connected by a 33 kV line. Lightsource proposes to connect to Powerlink’s Woolooga Substation. The Woolooga Solar Farm will have a maximum export capacity of 176 MWac comprised of approximately 600 000 photovoltaic panels mounted on single axis trackers. Subject to receipt of all necessary approvals including generation authority it’s anticipated the generating plant will reach commissioning stage in mid-2021.

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

Clean energy boost as Ara Ake launched 23 July Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Energy Minister Megan Woods launched Ara Ake in New Plymouth today – the National New Energy Development Centre funded by the Government and established by Venture Taranaki. Are Ake will lead the development of new clean energy technologies and work with businesses to commercialise their innovations creating high-paying local jobs. “We have an opportunity with Ara Ake to power our economy with affordable clean energy that creates jobs while leading the world in developing new forms of energy that will help combat climate change,” Jacinda Ardern said. “This is a timely launch following the collapse of oil prices following Covid-19 and while global investment in renewable energy outstrips fossil fuels. “It aligns with our 5-point economic plan to keep New Zealand moving including creating and protecting jobs, preparing for the future and positioning NZ globally. “Importantly it also helps us meet the long-term challenge of transitioning to net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Jacinda Ardern said. The Government invested $27m in the Centre in Budget 2019 as part of its Just Transitions strategy for Taranaki. Venture Taranaki, the region’s economic development agency, was given responsibility for setting it up. Megan Woods said the Taranaki region is well placed to drive the advancement of new low-emissions energy. “With over 7,000 people employed across the oil and gas sector in Taranaki, the skills, knowledge, expertise and international links are already here.

“The Taranaki region set the vision in its 2050 Roadmap and Ara Ake is a tangible outcome of that strategy. “Ara Ake will help us ensure that we can lead the world in sustainable energy solutions,” Megan Woods said. Source: NZ Government

PROJECT NEWS

Dandenong Waste-to-Energy Project The Victorian EPA has issued a works approval for the Great Southern Waste Technologies’ Dandenong Waste-to-Energy Project. The works approval is for the development of a modular gasification waste-to-energy facility which will process 100,000 tonnes/year (+/- 10%) of source separated municipal solid waste (MSW) and Commercial & Industrial waste. The MSW will be sourced from council kerbside collections in metropolitan Melbourne. The proposed facility will utilise gasification technology developed by Energos – AS (Norway). The facility would be designed with a two-line configuration each with its own gasification chamber, oxidation or combustion chamber, steam turbine and air-cooled condenser, and flue gas cleaning (FGC) systems. The facility is estimated to recover from the waste approximately 7.9 MW of electricity for dispatch to the grid.

Appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Board 23 July On behalf of the Australian Government, I am pleased to announce the full appointments to the Board of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Following the appointment of Mr Justin Punch as new ARENA Chair on 17 July, I can also announce the appointment of three new Board members for two-year terms. This includes banker and research analyst Mr John Hirjee, economist and energy consultant Ms

Page 14 (Click on relevant project links to go to online Project Database)

Anna Matysek, and technology entrepreneur Mr Justin Butcher. They will join current board members Ms Stephanie Unwin and Mr Dougal McOmish who have each been reappointed for a further year. Led by new Chair Mr Punch, the new Board encompasses the skills and experience necessary to support ARENA as it works to deliver on priorities under the Technology Investment Roadmap. The new appointees to the Board have strong skills in energy market analytics, strategic planning and investment which will assist in ensuring the most innovative and effective projects are backed by ARENA. The new Board members will be supported by the renewable energy expertise and corporate knowledge held by re-appointees Ms Unwin and Mr McOmish who have already successfully supported ARENA in its mission to increase the supply and lower the cost of renewables in Australia. The ARENA Board sets the investment strategies and priorities, oversees the running of the agency, and approves funding for projects up to $50 million. ARENA was established in July 2012 to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies in Australia. I thank the departing board members, the Chair Mr Martijn Wilder AM, Ms Samantha Hogg, Ms Susan Jeanes and Ms Meg McDonald. They have all provided exemplary service to the Board, to ARENA and to Australia’s renewable energy sector. Source: Federal Government