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Welcome to the June edition of ecogeneration. This issue focuses on the ever-evolving wind industry and the different cogs in the turbines that help make them spin.
In these pages you will find specialised content focusing on companies that have positioned themselves at the forefront of on and offshore wind, from developers and financiers to contractors and operators.
Australia’s geography makes it an ideal candidate for large-scale wind generation, and our technological capability to harness that power is growing rapidly.
One example is unfolding across the windswept plains of Rokewood, Victoria. The Golden Plains Wind Farm is redefining the scale and ambition of renewable energy in this country. Once complete, it will be the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere, with the capacity to power more than 750,000 homes.
What began with early monitoring efforts by developer WestWind in 2006 has become a landmark infrastructure project, on that is now backed by international investment and is strategically located in the Western Victoria Renewable Energy Zone.
With construction having been underway since January 2023, this project is more than a symbol; it’s a signal of real momentum.
But as turbines rise across regional communities, so too do important questions. What does this mean for farmers and local ecosystems? How do we manage the impact of these installations? That’s where RELA Connect comes in.
As Australia’s first online marketplace for renewable energy land deals, it levels the playing field, bringing landowners and developers together with transparency, fairness and a process that makes sense to both parties. This is one step in the process to overcoming hurdles for developers and ensuring landowners benefit to help meet the energy transition requirements.
This wind-themed edition of ecogeneration will also co-mail with Australia’s most famous wind map, which includes all major wind farms across Australia based in information and data supplied by the Clean Energy Council. With the map being placed on the walls of renewable energy professionals around Australia each year, it is recognised across many industries and government bodies as an invaluable industry tool and reference point. Happy reading.
Molly Hancock Managing Editor
ecogeneration acknowledges the Cammeraygal people, traditional custodians of the land on which this publication is produced, and we pay our respects to their elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.
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Victoria has taken a key step towards establishing Australia’s first offshore wind sector, releasing its fourth Offshore Wind Energy Implementation Statement (IS4) and opening a new phase of industry engagement.
State Energy and Resources Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, outlined the roadmap to deliver Victoria’s first two gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2032.
The plan is part of the state’s broader legislated targets to reach 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040.
Following a confidential registration of interest (ROI) process that opened in March for holders of offshore wind feasibility licences, the Victorian Government confirmed the request for proposal (RFP) phase will begin in September 2025. Contracts are expected to be awarded by October 2026.
The projects will be supported by a contract-for-difference model, designed to offer revenue certainty for investors.
An additional availability payment will apply once the infrastructure is generating electricity, aligning payments with system reliability and energy delivery.
The plan is part of Victoria’s broader legislated targets to reach 4GW by 2035 and 9GW by 2040.
confirmed a local content requirement for the operations and maintenance phase of the first tranche of projects.
At least 80 per cent of operations and maintenance work must be sourced locally from 2032. Ten per cent of all labour hours during this phase must also be fulfilled by apprentices, trainees or cadets.
for the sector, the Victorian Government will offer up to $4.9 million in grants to establish a Wind Worker Training Centre.
“Victoria’s offshore wind industry will provide jobs and career pathways for thousands of workers and boost local businesses through manufacturing and supply chain development,” D’Ambrosio said.
A new guide aimed at helping New South Wales landholders engage with renewable energy and transmission developments has been released by the State Government in partnership with NSW Farmers.
The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide was launched in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) by State Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, State Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, EnergyCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hannah McCaughey, and NSW Farmers President, Xavier Martin.
Developed in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the NSW Government, the guide provides information for landholders considering wind, solar or battery projects, and for those engaging with energy companies about transmission infrastructure.
“This guide reflects our commitment to working with farmers, landowners and others to give them the information they need to engage confidently in renewable
energy projects,” Sharpe said. “We thank NSW Farmers for their collaboration on this guide. It will be a go-to resource for individuals, businesses and communities as they seek information about the REZ.”
Moriarty said the guide outlines the rights and responsibilities of landholders and offers practical information about development processes.
“This guide will help landholders understand the potential impacts of development and their rights and responsibilities, as well as how to maximise land productivity and benefit from new investment in the region,” she said.
The Central-West Orana REZ is projected to attract up to $20 billion in private investment by 2030 and create around 5000 construction jobs.
The NSW Government is also allocating $128 million to community groups and councils through grants, with the first round of recipients recently announced.
McCaughey believes it is important for landowners to be informed.
“It is critical that landowners are across their rights and responsibilities, and the opportunities this once-in-ageneration project brings,” she said. “Host communities are at the centre of the transition and should benefit from their role in it.”
The guide outlines the rights and responsibilities of landholders and offers practical information about development processes. Image: lovelyday12/stock.adobe.com
Squadron Energy’s Clarke Creek Wind Farm recently received its final oversize overmass (OSOM) delivery, marking a major milestone in the construction of one of Queensland’s largest renewable energy projects.
More than 1300 OSOM components have been transported from Gladstone Port to the project site since September 2023.
Deliveries were carefully coordinated overnight, with vehicles departing
between 11.30pm and 1.00am and arriving on-site in the early hours of the morning. Police escorts accompanied the loads where required.
Clarke Creek Wind Farm Project Director, John Macchiusi, acknowledged the scale and complexity of the operation, commending the team’s effort.
“The team have meticulously managed getting more than 1000 deliveries to site from Gladstone Port safely and on time,” Macchiusi said.
“This is no easy feat. The logistics involved in just one of these deliveries is enormous. Getting all 1300 components safely to site shows the skill and dedication of the team in charge.”
The wind farm has now installed 78 of its planned 100 turbines. According to Squadron Energy, the project is on track to complete full turbine installation by mid-2025.
Commissioning is already underway, with up to 30 turbines currently operating simultaneously. These turbines are generating a combined capacity of 132 megawatts (MW) as testing and system integration continue.
Once fully operational, the Clarke Creek Wind Farm will have the capacity to power around 330,000 Queensland homes and is expected to offset approximately 738,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Stage one of the has supported 350 jobs during its construction phase and contributed $110 million to the regional economy.
“It is crucial that we put our best foot forward during the start-up phase of the project,”, DT Infrastructure Project Director, Bill Carmichael said.
“We are engaging local sub-contractors and working closely with council and Transport for NSW on the road upgrades to ensure we realise the most benefit for all parties involved.”
Construction is underway on one of Australia’s largest solar farms, with early works progressing at the 585 megawatt-peak Goulburn River Solar Farm in New South Wales.
The project, being delivered by DT Infrastructure for developer Lightsource bp, is expected to generate enough
renewable electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 225,000 homes once complete. Civil works began this year, with construction teams focused on upgrading Wollara and Ringwood roads. Pile testing has also commenced to determine the optimal installation method for nearly one million solar panels.
Delorean has secured a $6.08 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to enhance its SA1 bioenergy facility in Edinburgh Parks, South Australia.
The funding is part of ARENA’s National Industrial Transformation Program, which aims to boost the production of renewable gas (biomethane) and liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) while supporting the facility’s integration into the Adelaide gas network.
According to Delorean, its SA1 facility will use organic waste diverted
The site will also generate biogenic food-grade LCO2, with longterm off-take agreements currently under negotiation.
“This significant grant investment from ARENA is a game-changer for Delorean and the Australian energy sectors,” Delorean Managing Director, Joe Oliver, said.
“It not only enables us to achieve a major milestone with the SA1 project but it also creates long-term, sustainable revenue streams that will underwrite the viability of the project. Furthermore, it highlights the
The project team has also taken steps to maintain close engagement with the local community, including the opening of a shopfront in Merriwa where residents can speak with the project team and learn more about upcoming works and job opportunities.
“We are also very conscious of our project neighbours – the local community,” Carmichael said.
“We’ll closely consult with them, so they remain informed on planned and ongoing works.”
play an important role in industrial decarbonisation, but its full potential remains untapped.
“By using food and organic waste and transforming it into renewable gas, Delorean’s project shows an innovative approach to reducing emissions in hardto-abate sectors while supporting a circular economy,” Miller said.
The SA1 project aims to address Scope 1 emissions by providing renewable energy solutions to industrial gas users, advancing the commercial readiness of biomethane upgrading technologies and demonstrating the economic viability of
With the results of the recent Federal Election showing strong support for renewables, Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, believes it’s time to get on with the job.
Australia’s transition to clean energy depends on many things, but among the most important are political and policy certainty and continuity.
Considering how prominently energy policy featured in the recent Federal Election campaign, and the contentious nature of the Coalition’s energy policy, the Australian Labor Party’s success provides the consistency and the certainty the sector needs.
Under the Government’s previous term, we saw the strong and effective policy that is so critical to underpinning new investment in clean energy and broader management of the energy transition.
The Clean Energy Council’s latest ‘Clean Energy Australia’ report shows that 2024 saw the highest levels of clean energy investment in our country’s history. We also saw the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) kick into gear, with tendered projects beginning to come to fruition. In the first quarter of 2025,
two large-scale energy storage projects that received CIS backing reached financial close.
These are reasons to be optimistic about the rollout of renewables in Australia. It’s time to drop the politics and get on with the job. We’re already more than 40 per cent of the way to a clean electricity grid, and we need to keep going as ageing, increasingly unreliable coal-fired power generation retires.
No time to be complacent
We just held our Australian Wind Industry Forum. While the mood was buoyant following the election result, the sector was also asking itself how it can keep pushing to do better. There is no time for the clean energy sector to be complacent.
We know that 70 per cent of Australians support the continued rollout of renewables. But despite this broad support, we also know that
we need to do more to engage with the communities in which we operate, to build trust and obtain the support of residents, landholders and the broader community.
We need to educate and work with the Australian people so they understand why the energy transition is happening, why it is important and what benefits it will bring, and we also need to invest time and listen – this was a message echoed at the Forum by Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Tony Mahar.
“Change and transition can be difficult,” he said. “Accountability is our collective responsibility but also our best friend. Relationships are how you get things done.”
There are still commonly asked questions to be answered more effectively by the sector, particularly given the wave of misinformation and disinformation. That’s why the Clean Energy Council will continue to deliver the tools created under the ‘Clean energy works for Australia’ campaign, including the Energy Fact Check website and fact sheets, which address common questions and concerns.
As a sector, we also need to be upfront about the impacts projects will have and do our best to mitigate
those effects in partnership with individuals and communities.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach but there are best practice approaches, which is why the Clean Energy Council has developed a Best Practice Charter. This is a commitment by signatories, leading clean energy project developers, to engage respectfully with the communities in which they plan and operate projects, as well as to be sensitive to environmental and cultural values.
Complementing these efforts, and to build engagement capacity within the sector, we have recently launched e-learning courses on social license and First Nations engagement. I encourage anyone working in the sector whose role takes them into communities to enrol.
Social license and community engagement are common themes in the sector at present and I have no doubt they will continue to be heard loudly and clearly in the work we do with our members and stakeholders.
There’s never been a more important time to lean into the energy transition we’re all working so hard to accelerate – to share, learn and strive towards best practice processes and the principles of fairness and transparency.
Along with communities and our members, we look forward to working with governments at federal, state and local levels, to continue the vital work of transitioning Australia to clean energy.
In early May, I announced that I will be stepping down from my role as Clean Energy Council Chief Executive. It has been a heck of a ride these past 15 years, and it’s been an extraordinary privilege to lead the Clean Energy Council and to be at the forefront of one of the most exciting, important and complex transitions in our lifetimes. There is much more work to do and the sector can rest assured the Clean Energy Council will continue to advocate strongly and objectively for Australia’s transition to clean energy.
Kane Thornton has more than a decade of experience in energy policy and leadership in the development of the renewable energy industry. His column is a regular feature in ecogeneration, where he analyses industry trends and explains the impacts of federal and state renewable policies on the energy sector.
With wind farms already generating a portion of the state’s electricity needs, New South Wales is actively promoting the development of new projects to increase renewable energy capacity.
New South Wales is fast becoming a hub for wind energy, with several major projects advancing toward construction and transforming regional communities across the state.
Set to become one of the largest wind projects in Australia, the Liverpool Range Wind Farm is a major renewable energy site located between the townships of Coolah and Cassilis, approximately 370km north-west of Sydney.
Now owned by Tilt Renewables, the project has been designed to generate up to 1332 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, enough to power around 570,000 homes across the state.
The wind farm will reduce Australia’s carbon emissions by approximately 2.5 million tonnes annually.
First approved by state and federal governments in 2018, the project has since undergone several refinements to take advantage of advances in turbine technology.
The current layout allows for up to 185 turbines, each with a blade tip height of up to 215m.
Despite the increase in turbine size, improvements in efficiency mean fewer turbines are required to deliver more power.
Following a comprehensive modification and community consultation process, an updated development consent was granted in October 2024.
Currently in the development phase, the project not only promises to help drive down electricity costs but is also expected to create regional employment opportunities and support long-term economic growth in the Upper Hunter region.
Spicers Creek Wind Farm
Squadron Energy’s Spicers Creek Wind Farm has reached a key milestone after securing federal approval, bringing one of NSW’s largest renewable energy undertakings closer to construction.
Located in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the project received approval from the NSW Independent Planning Commission in October 2024 and was later selected as one of 19 projects under the Federal Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme.
Squadron Energy’s Head of Project Development, Trish McDonald, said the approval was a major step forward for the wind farm.
“The team have been working so hard and should be proud of this next milestone,” McDonald said. “We are now working on post-approval, contracting and financing.
We will appoint a lead contractor or contractors and provide them with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest in working on the project.
“Local job opportunities is a key priority and we can’t wait to get businesses on board. This project is going to create more than 330 jobs and inject $46.9 million into the regional economy.”
According to Squadron Energy, Spicers Creek Wind Farm will feature up to 117 turbines and generate enough electricity to power over 395,000 homes while preventing 650,000 tonnes of emissions per year.
ENGIE has announced a significant milestone, with the NSW Government’s Independent Planning Commission granting approval for the Hills of Gold Wind Farm.
Situated near Nundle in the northern part of the state, the project will feature 62 turbines with a capacity of up to 372MW, which is enough to power approximately 163,000 homes.
ENGIE Australia Managing Director of Renewables, Laura Caspar, praised the decision as a result of extensive collaboration among project teams, government bodies, local communities, and other stakeholders.
“ENGIE is looking forward to delivering the project and its many benefits to the
the project has been carefully designed to integrate expert recommendations, community feedback, and extensive environmental assessments to ensure harmony with local grazing and biodiversity.
The $833 million investment will generate nearly 400 construction jobs and establish a community benefit fund for long-term support of the Nundle area and nearby regions.
Caspari highlighted the Independent Planning Commission approval as a positive development for the renewable
of Gold Wind Farm will also include a 100MW battery energy storage system and a 330-kilovolt transmission line connecting to the Wallabadah network.
Located just north-west of Jerilderie in the NSW Riverina region, the Yanco Delta Wind Farm is poised to become one of the largest renewable energy and storage projects in the state.
Spanning 33,000 hectares within the South West REZ, the project comprises a 1.5-gigawatt (GW) wind farm and an 800 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery. The site is strategically located near key transmission infrastructure to maximise grid access
Acquired by Origin Energy from Virya Energy in 2024, Yanco Delta is a major addition to Origin’s growing portfolio of
With NSW Government development consent granted in December 2023 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation in February 2024, the project is advanced in its planning phase.
strategic” and “construction-ready” opportunity, the project offers the benefits of scale and speed to market. It also supports Origin’s long-term goal of meeting customer demand through clean energy, with the company intending to contract
Origin plans to fund the acquisition and early-stage development through existing corporate debt facilities, with an upfront payment of $125 million and up to $175 million in milestone-linked payments.
Liebherr has been providing the wind energy sector with purposedesigned and manufactured cranes for more than 30 years.
As wind energy continues to evolve, with turbines adhering to the notion of ‘higher, faster, further’, cranes must keep pace.
This progression underscores the development of wind-farm-specific equipment and its growing impact on the local market.
The legacy of the Liebherr Gittermastkran (LG), which translates to “Liebherr lattice boom crane”, began 35 years ago with the LG 1550, which introduced the unique concept of a lattice boom crane mounted on a wheeled chassis.
The LG 1550 initially operated on the PAT system before Liebherr transitioned to the LICCON system.
Liebherr has delivered more than 50 units of this type by 2002. One LG 1550 unit remains operational in New Zealand, with Tim Smith of Smith Cranes & Construction and his team still serving wind projects around the country.
Introduced in 2003 as the successor to the LG 1550, the LG 1750 featured the state-ofthe-art LICCON 1 system.
Initially designed to cater to hub heights of up to 140m – considered cutting-edge at the time – the LG 1750 received a significant upgrade in 2018 with the introduction of the SX-system boom. This enhancement allowed it to reach hub heights of up to 165m, using heavier main boom sections, a longer derrick system, and additional counterweight.
Liebherr has delivered more than 140 units worldwide by 2024.
According to Liebherr, the LG 1750 has been widely regarded as the go-to crane for businesses engaged in wind farm construction and maintenance.
Australia’s wind farms are characterised by narrow connection roads between lift pads, hilly terrain and steep gradients. The unique wheeled chassis of the LG minimises relocation time between towers, whereas conventional crawler cranes must be disassembled and separately transported.
There are currently more than 15 LG 1750 units in Australia. For Liebherr, possessing the expertise and critical spare parts to service such complex and critical equipment is crucial to minimising downtime, which can be costly for its customers.
Released in 2024, the LG 1800-1.0 succeeded the LG 1750 and introduced several key upgrades, including the LICCON 2 system, improved roadability through a redesigned chassis, and updated boom and derrick systems. These enhancements enable hub heights of up to 180m.
The first units have already entered the market, with some expected to arrive in Australia soon.
The development of the LG 1800-1.0 focused on worldwide roadability, accommodating wider tyre sizes to meet road access requirements across Australian states and the US.
Its reinforced chassis and upgraded boom
sections allow it to operate at up to 180m with the derrick (15m more than the LG 1750) and up to 120m without the derrick (20m more than the LG 1750).
A highlight of the new nine-axle vehicle is its unique chassis. Thanks to the special arrangement of its axles, the lattice boom crane is suitable for all markets around the world.
With an axle load of just 10 tonnes, the crane can drive on public roads with all four supports and a total weight of 90 tonnes. Alternatively, transport is possible with only two supports and a total weight of 70 tonnes, and completely without supports at around 50 tonnes.
In contrast to its predecessor, the eightaxle LG 1750, the folding beams on the new 800-tonne crane are not telescopic.
The required support base of 13x13m is sufficient for the LG 1800-1.0 to achieve enormous load capacities with the derrick system and very good erectable lengths without the derrick system.
The benefit: fixed supports are more stable and save weight. The installation of a quick coupling system means they are also easier to attach and detach.
The new crane has one more axle than its predecessor, and Liebherr uses the standard axles from the LTM crane product portfolio.
With a chassis width of just 3m, the powerful lattice boom crane can be moved economically on the road and on construction sites, and can even cope with gradients of up to 25 per cent.
All of these properties are particularly beneficial in the context of working in wind farms.
As the mobile counterpart, the LG 18001.0 can adopt the familiar boom systems of the LR 1800-1.0.
There is a main boom up to 180m in length, as well as a main boom–luffing jib combination with up to 108m of main boom and 102m of luffing jib, allowing for a maximum hook height of 208m.
Optimised wind power boom systems helps to ensure safe and flexible operation in gusty conditions, with permissible wind speeds of up to 13.4m per second.
The fact the equipment of the LG 18001.0 is compatible with the equipment of the LR 1800-1.0 is a further advantage. All accessories, from the head section to the lattice-type fixed jibs and whip line, are identical.
The 10-tonne counterweight plates can also be used for other Liebherr crawler cranes, saving costs and reducing transport distances.
The primary difference is the LG 18001.0’s modified slewing platform, which
allows longer boom systems to be erected without a derrick.
Future challenges and solutions
The key challenges posed in the renewable energy sector remain the requirement for more energy generation, which translates into taller towers, including the trend toward modular build systems.
Initial discussions about 200m hub heights are already on the drawing board in Europe.
So far, no conventional mobile crane on the market can achieve such heights. However, once these turbines enter the market, Liebherr will have the right lifting solutions to support such wind turbine generators.
Looking further into the future of the domestic Australian wind market, Liebherr is still anticipating that the current population of LG 1750 cranes will remain busy.
Considering all of the planned wind projects slated for the coming years, there is confidence that the wind sector will keep the industry and their machines engaged, which is a positive outlook.
For more information, visit liebherr.com
How Tesmec’s mechanical laying process is powering the renewable transition.
In remote hills, snowy plateaus and farmland across Australia and New Zealand, energy developers are facing the same challenge: how to get cables in the ground faster, safer, and with less impact. And for a growing number of them, the answer is Tesmec.
With its refined mechanical laying process (MLP), the company is offering more than just machinery – it’s delivering a competitive edge in the race to renewables.
Invented by Jacques Marais in France in the 1970s and refined over decades by the Marais Group, a Tesmec subsidiary, the MLP reimagines cable installation as a single streamlined operation.
A trencher cuts a narrow trench, a laying box guides cables into place at pre-set depths, and a backfilling system completes the job – all in one continuous motion. Gone are the days of multiple excavators, manual labourers in trenches, and the logistical ballet of truck movements. In their place is a GPS-guided precision, less risk to workers, and leaner teams completing jobs at pace.
Tesmec Australia General Manager, Adrien Merceron, summed it up succinctly.
“The mechanical laying process really is revolutionising the industry,” he said.
“There’s massive scope for it to become the go-to process for a large number of infrastructure projects in Australia and New Zealand.”
The process might sound simple in theory, but in practice, its advantages become especially clear on complex sites.
At Charlotte Pass in New South Wales’ Snowy Mountains, Australia’s highest alpine village, Essential Energy turned to Tesmec to replace a damaged power cable.
Faced with strict environmental restrictions and a tight weather window, Tesmec’s team redesigned the trench layout and used a rocksaw trencher with an integrated laying box to complete the job without the need for workers in the trench.
The result is beyond satisfaction; faster delivery, reduced material usage, and minimal environmental disturbance.
“The Kosciuszko National Park team was extremely happy with the outcome and commented on Tesmec’s seamless delivery,”
Essential Energy Program Manager, Jed Cutter, said. “It definitely sped things up, because we weren’t waiting on trucks to come backwards and forwards.”
Tesmec brought similar innovation to Meridian Energy’s Harapaki Wind Farm in New Zealand. Set 1000m above sea level, the site, which is the second largest wind farm in the country, demanded technical precision and logistical finesse.
More than 74km of trenching and 220km of cabling were completed using the MLP system, enabling cables to be laid beneath narrow mountain access roads without impeding wind farm construction traffic.
“With excavators and labourers, you’d be looking at twice the time, I’d imagine, because you’d need to be running three to four excavators plus tip trucks to take material away and bring sand in,” Tesmec Site Manager, Gareth Emeny, said.
“People would have to be in the trench levelling the sand off and placing the cables in the right position. You’re looking at a lot of resources and a lot of money very quickly, and with all the manual handling it creates a lot more risk of injury.”
One of MLP’s biggest strengths lies in how it condenses multiple steps into one.
Using dedicated reel carriers, cable wrappers, trenchers and laying boxes, the system can lay cables in trefoil or flat formation at rates of up to 2500m per day in soft soil, or 400m in hard terrain.
Compared to traditional trenching methods, Tesmec’s system offers:
• up to 40 per cent cost savings, thanks to reduced machinery and labour
• safer worksites, as workers don’t enter open trenches
• improved quality, with GPS-guided placement and uniform backfilling
• lower environmental impact, thanks to narrower trenches and less material transport.
In terrain where wind farms and solar projects are often located – hillsides, remote regions, and agricultural land – these advantages can be significant. Projects
can stay on track, risks are lowered, and community disruption is minimised.
As more renewable projects get underway across Australia and New Zealand, underground cable installation will continue to be a critical enabler.
Whether it’s connecting turbines to substations or linking solar farms to transmission infrastructure, how quickly and safely these connections are built will influence everything from grid reliability to investor confidence.
Tesmec’s MLP system offers an elegant solution to a messy, costly and risky challenge – delivering not only better results for today’s projects but also setting a higher standard for how infrastructure is delivered in the energy systems of tomorrow.
With proven success across multiple regions, from Australia’s alpine snowfields to the steep slopes of New Zealand’s wind farms, Tesmec is not just laying cables; it’s laying the foundation for a faster, smarter and safer energy future.
For more information, visit tesmec.com.au
As the global wind energy industry rapidly evolves, XCMG is leading the charge with a range of cranes designed to handle ever-increasing height and weight requirements.
China is at the forefront of the wind energy industry’s move towards larger, more powerful wind turbines, pioneering cutting-edge technology and redefining crane design to meet new challenges.
One company leading this move is XCMG, whose innovative lifting solutions are setting new global benchmarks in wind farm construction.
XCMG Oceania Crane Centre General Manager, Stephen Broomfield, shared his insights on the industry’s evolution and his company’s critical role in shaping the future of wind farm construction.
China has long been a dominant player in the renewable energy sector, with its
wind farms generating significant capacity for the nation and beyond. The country’s top turbine manufacturers – such as Windy, Mingyang, Goldwind, Envision and Dongfang – are exporting their expertise worldwide.
Chinese companies have been installing wind turbines exceeding 200m for years, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in renewable energy infrastructure. The rapid advancements in turbine size and capacity necessitate stronger, taller and more versatile cranes.
XCMG, a global leader in crane manufacturing, has been at the vanguard of this shift, enabling the next generation of wind farms by designing cranes capable
of reaching heights greater than 205m with unparalleled lifting capacity.
As turbines grow in size, XCMG has responded with a range of cranes specifically designed to handle the increased weight and height requirements.
Offering three different types of cranes –crawler, all-terrain tower – XCMG provides tailored solutions for any wind farm project around the world. Designed to operate on grades up to 20 per cent and in all weather and ground conditions, these cranes have redefined industry standards.
With a reach in excess of 205m and a 2600-tonne lifting capacity, the XCC2600
telescopic crawler crane is built to handle the heaviest turbine components.
Setting a new benchmark, the XCA4000 all-terrain crane features a leading 4000tonne lifting capacity and can lift more than 200 tonnes to a height in excess of 205m.
Designed to ‘climb’ alongside turbine towers, tower cranes can reach more than 205m, with a lifting capacity of 180 tonnes.
XCMG’s high-performance flexible boom technology is designed to ensure stability and efficiency at greater heights while reducing installation time by up to 30 per cent. The integration of advanced sensor technology also enhances safety, identifying and mitigating risks in real-time.
As turbine manufacturers continue to push the limits of size and efficiency, the demand for adaptable crane solutions has never been greater.
XCMG believes its experience in China, where wind turbines regularly surpass 200m, has given it a competitive edge in global markets. By offering a diverse range of lifting solutions, XCMG ensures wind farms can be constructed on various terrains, from arid landscapes to soft ground.
The response from hire companies has been overwhelmingly positive.
According to XCMG, many firms that may have previously been hesitant about Chinese cranes are now turning to the company. The combination of exceptional engineering skills and knowledge and practical innovation places XCMG at the forefront of the industry.
With offshore wind turbines expected to be up to 350m in diameter, and 275m for onshore, the role of advanced crane technology will be crucial in shaping the future of renewable energy.
China’s leadership in wind turbine development, combined with XCMG’s groundbreaking crane innovations, is helping to set the stage for a more sustainable and energy-efficient world.
Broomfield said XCMG’s commitment to innovation will help ensure that wind farm construction can continue to scale new heights now and in the future, providing reliable, renewable energy to millions.
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As the industry evolves, China and XCMG are not just keeping up with the future of wind energy – they are defining it.
For more information, visit xcmg.net.au
The ballots are counted, the slogans shelved, and the conversations about Australia’s energy future are well underway.
As the mandate for clean energy firms, the real work begins – not in campaign talks, but in grid connections, community engagement, and reforms.
With geopolitical currents shifting and domestic policy settling after Australia’s Federal Election, renewable infrastructure developers find themselves at a strategic inflection point.
For Ben Power, Industry Director, Power Generation and Storage at leading design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon, that shift represents not just a change in sentiment but a window of opportunity for the wind sector to evolve.
“I’ve been spending time with our clients to understand how they’re feeling after the election,” Power said.
“I think generally it’s a really positive situation. Maybe a bit of a relief that now there is a clearer path, or perhaps certainty, around what they need to do.”
According to Power, the situation is enabling government and industry to move beyond speculation and toward overdue structural reforms. These include improvements in environmental approvals, grid connection processes, and transmission planning, longstanding friction points for Australia’s wind energy sector.
“There’s a shift from worrying about which way things would go to now being able to get into those key issues,” Power said.
But the domestic mood is only part of the story. International dynamics, from the growing US appetite for wind to the global expansion of Asian and Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), are also reshaping the landscape in ways that could ultimately benefit Australia.
“We might see increased interest and expansion into the Australian market from original equipment manufacturers and the supply chain, as well as developers in the US,” Power said.
With global players scouting new markets, Australia could see enhanced supply chain availability and fresh development capability.
“With that increased supply base and competition, will we see a shift in the
Australian supply chain because of those factors?” Power said.
It’s a question the industry is watching closely.
Scaling up, smarter
As wind projects grow in size and complexity, the traditional playbook is no longer enough. The next generation of developments demands smarter, more agile approaches from design through to delivery.
“The first generation of wind farms were of a certain size and confined to particular locations. Now we’re seeing wind farms with much bigger turbines and hub heights,” Power said.
That step-change in scale introduces a cascade of downstream implications, from the need for larger ports and road access
and environmental approvals. In parallel, developers are leaning into advanced technologies to manage that complexity.
“We’re seeing greater automation and the use of AI [artificial intelligence] in the electrical and road design for wind farms,” Power said. “That’s really suitable. We are also seeing its value in tackling complex renewables, storage and transmission challenges with our generative AI pilot currently underway with ElectraNet in South Australia.”
Mass production and modularisation, long established in sectors like transmission, are also beginning to surface in wind farm design. While development and construction have long dominated industry focus, Power believes the time is ripe for a strategic shift
toward operational optimisation.
“In the past, we saw only a small number of wind assets in Australia. As we add many more wind farm assets and expand operations, that’s shifting,” he said.
Aurecon’s clients are increasingly asking critical questions about underused opportunities within existing assets.
Drawing parallels to the gas sector, where asset optimisation and lifecycle value are deeply ingrained, Power suggests the wind industry has much to gain from adopting a similar mindset.
“If we unify all of the asset data and management platforms across these wind farms, we’ll see more opportunity to increase available production and revenue,” he said.
That shift is especially urgent as a new wave of developers transitions from buildand-sell to long-term asset ownership, often without extensive operations experience. With portfolios growing, from older sites to new, utility-scale builds, decision-makers are rethinking their asset strategies.
“They may decide to end the life of some older wind farms more quickly. Or perhaps reinvest and repower them,” Power said.
Either way, a new operational frontier is emerging – one where better data, unified platforms, and lifecycle thinking will define success.
For Power, the most important transformation is not technical but cultural.
As the sector moves from isolated project footprints to a national patchwork of wind infrastructure, including emerging offshore zones like Gippsland, long-term relationships with communities are no longer optional.
They’re existential.
“We’re going to see a greater degree of wind farms … and much more interaction with the community,” Power said. “It won’t be just about one particular company or brand having a good relationship. The whole industry needs to have a good reputation.”
That means shifting away from a ‘develop and exit’ model toward a mindset of enduring presence and mutual benefit. Power points to lessons learned, and missteps taken, in sectors like property development.
“With wind, we need to ensure we have a strong reputation,” Power said. “From developers to build-own-operate firms, they’ll need to keep operating in
From geopolitical flux to emerging technologies and community engagement, the contours of the wind energy sector are shifting rapidly.
But for Power, that’s not cause for concern. It’s more of a catalyst for a new chapter of growth, maturity, and industrywide learning – a potential generational opportunity.
“Optimising existing assets, designing for scale, building community trust, investing in operational intelligence. These aren’t separate initiatives, they’re part of a larger evolution,” Power said.
“It’s perhaps a really good outlook for the wind sector at the moment.”
Set across the windswept plains of Rokewood, Victoria, the Golden Plains Wind Farm is redefining the scale and ambition of energy in Australia.
Once complete, the Golden Plains Wind Farm will become the largest such project in the Southern Hemisphere – a critical infrastructure project with the capacity to supply clean energy to more than 750,000 homes and be a key player in Australia’s plan to transition away from fossil fuels.
The story of Golden Plains began with early wind monitoring efforts in 2006, led by developer WestWind. A decade later, after detailed feasibility assessments and environmental reviews, including a rigorous environment effects statement, the project received approval.
The farm’s strategic location in the Western Victoria Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) – which spans from the Murray River to Horsham, across to St Arnaud and Echuca in the northern part of the state – combined with strong wind resources and supportive transmission infrastructure, made it a prime candidate for large-scale development. Construction officially began in January 2023.
The project is being delivered in two stages by TagEnergy, which holds an 85 per cent stake. Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group (the largest IKEA retailer), holds the remaining 15 per cent.
Size, scope and scale
Spanning 16,739 hectares of mostly agricultural land, the completed wind farm will feature 215 Vestas turbines. These will produce 1333 megawatts (MW) of capacity and generate more than 4000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually – enough to power 765,000 homes, or the equivalent of every household in regional Victoria.
That output represents around nine per cent of the state’s electricity needs.
Stage 1 of the project includes 122 turbines with a combined capacity of 756MW. Stage 2, which reached financial close in mid-2024, will add another 93 turbines and 577MW.
First power from Stage 1 was delivered to Victoria’s grid in October 2024. Full commissioning is expected in 2025, with Stage 2 slated for completion in 2027.
Standing 149m at the hub, with 79m blades and a tip height of 230m, each turbine is a feat of engineering in and of itself. Each has a capacity of 6.2MW, among the most powerful onshore turbines currently in operation in Australia.
In addition to its wind-generation capacity, Golden Plains includes a 150MW/600MWh storage facility, designed to store excess energy and provide rapid-
response support to the grid during periods of high demand or low generation.
This infrastructure will play a vital role in enhancing the reliability of renewable supply.
Grid connection works, led by AusNet Services, include a new 500-kilovolt (kV) terminal station, a 220kV substation, and a 5km transmission line to integrate the wind farm into Victoria’s high-voltage electricity network.
Key components, including two 850-megavolt-amperes (MVA) power transformers supplied by Hitachi Energy, were manufactured using fossil-free methods – an innovation that aligns with the project’s broader sustainability goals.
Golden Plains is expected to remove more than 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, supporting Victoria’s target of achieving 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035. It will also contribute to the state’s interim goal of halving emissions by 2030.
With wind already accounting for a significant share of Victoria’s renewable mix, the project further strengthens the state’s ability to meet demand without relying on ageing coal-fired power stations.
Its consistent generation profile complements solar generation, and the inclusion of battery storage ensures dispatchable power when needed.
During peak construction, the project has supported a workforce in excess of 700 people, with more than 400 active onsite across various phases, including civil, electrical and turbine installation work.
Once operational, approximately 70 fulltime jobs will be created to maintain and manage the wind farm over its expected 30-year lifespan.
The project’s development has prioritised local content and regional supply chains wherever possible. Local contractors, businesses and tradespeople have been involved throughout, creating economic ripple effects beyond the immediate construction site.
Golden Plains has also established community benefit programs aimed at supporting local initiatives, fostering engagement with residents and maintaining ongoing dialogue with landholders and community groups.
The scale of Golden Plains has attracted significant domestic and international financing.
Stage 1 was supported by a consortium of clean-energy-focused lenders, including the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, Deutsche Bank, Mizuho, Natixis, Bank of China, and Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund.
These institutions provided nonrecourse financing that underpinned
construction certainty and reinforced investor confidence.
Offtake agreements have also played a critical role.
Snowy Hydro is purchasing a portion of Stage 1’s output, while EnergyAustralia signed a 10-year power purchase agreement for 40 per cent of Stage 2’s generation.
These contracts help to ensure long-term revenue certainty and help major energy retailers reduce their emissions profiles.
Ingka Investments’ 15 per cent stake provides IKEA Retail operations in AsiaPacific with long-term access to renewable energy attributes, aligning with the group’s science-based net-zero targets.
The Federal Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) has been
instrumental in de-risking large-scale renewable investments. This policy framework gave Golden Plains developers the assurance needed to proceed at speed, particularly during a period of global economic uncertainty.
The project has also benefited from a streamlined regulatory process. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), drawing on lessons from Stage 1, reduced the grid connection approval time for Stage 2 from nine months to five – a practical demonstration of how coordinated policy and regulatory engagement can accelerate energy transition outcomes.
with environment in mind
As with other major wind farms built on farmland, Golden Plains was designed to minimise disruption to existing agricultural activities and the environment.
Turbines are placed with significant spacing between them, allowing continued cropping and grazing operations. This approach, which helps preserve the productive use of the land while also offering landowners new income streams through lease payments, reflects a model where clean energy and traditional farming can coexist to mutual benefit.
TagEnergy Managing Partner – Australia, Andrew Riggs, said the company couldn’t be prouder to be delivering the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere.
“This mega-project materially improves Victoria’s energy security, puts downward pressure on electricity costs and dramatically reduces carbon pollution,” he said. “Together with our partners, we are accelerating the energy transition.”
Australia has an opportunity to accelerate its renewable journey, and it will need strong partnerships and the collective smarts of the entire sector to make it happen.
With a pledge to reach 82 per cent renewable energy by 2030, the Federal Government’s plan reflects public sentiment and the realities facing the country. Yet ambition alone won’t deliver results.
Meeting this goal will require sustained investment, technical depth, systems thinking, and strong partnerships.
These are areas where Beca, one of Asia-Pacific’s largest employee-owned engineering and advisory firms, has built a trusted reputation over more than five decades in energy in Australia.
The Federal Government has pledged to deliver cheaper, cleaner and reliable renewable energy to achieve that target of 82 per cent renewables by the end of the decade. And this is all possible with the right settings.
Australia is already on a rapid trajectory, with renewable sources expected to provide 48 per cent of electricity in 2025, up from just eight per cent in 2020.
“While there are challenges, such as delays in major transmission build-out, environmental planning and approvals, supply chain constraints and market capability and capacity, these are opportunities for innovation and growth, supported by Federal Government, State
Government, private sector and community investment and collaboration,” Beca Business Director for Renewables, Harshal Patel, said.
To help address these challenges, the Federal Government has pledged an additional $2 billion expansion of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The fund will seek to unlock $8 billion of additional investment in renewable and low emissions technologies, with a focus on grid infrastructure, energy efficiency, and industry capability
However, Patel believes more will be required.
“Further investment stimulus in the electrification of Australia projects is needed as the minimum capital investment to fulfil 2030 goals has been estimated at $20 to $40 billion per annum,” he said.
Concurrently, Australia’s electricity demand is forecast to increase 18 per cent by 2030, and to double by 2050. The electrification of industry, transport and heating, as well as growing demand from data centres, is a key driver.
“Replacement capacity is needed as Australia moves towards its post-coal era,” Patel said.
“Policies, regulations and funding at all levels of government need to be attuned to the capacity build out of renewable required to meet 2030 goals.”
Beca, with offices in six Australian cities and a 4500-strong team across the AsiaPacific, is well placed to contribute. It has supported major energy and infrastructure projects in Australia for 55 years, offering design, environmental planning, technical advisory, and project delivery support.
“The transition won’t succeed on infrastructure investment alone,” Patel said. “Investment in market capability, capacity and community engagement and benefits are the priority.”
Education and workforce development must also keep pace. Meeting energy targets will require a deep pipeline of skills, from engineering to consultation and trades.
Beca’s employee-owned model and commitment to local partnerships, including work with Indigenous communities, help to embed projects in the places they affect.
The Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy aligns well with the preferences of the electorate.
Research by ARENA found 76 per cent of consumers would choose products made with renewable energy, and 64 per cent would pay a premium for them. This reflects
a growing alignment between environmental action and economic advantage.
Recent floods in Queensland, covering an area larger than Germany and France combined, illustrate the potential financial, societal and ecological costs. Australia has committed to reducing emissions by 26–28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
“We cannot eliminate all emissions,” Patel said. “However, with significant reductions and cleaner, more efficient energy systems, we can create a future that is liveable for our children and future generations.
“If we can get close to the 2030 energy and emission reduction targets, the likelihood that Australia’s environmental longevity improves is significant.”
As Australia enters a critical decade, Beca is dedicated to supporting the energy transformation, and committed to being a trusted partner to the industry, working alongside government, private sector and community to make every day better.
For more information, visit beca.com
James Warr, the new Executive General Manager Engineering at Consolidated Power Projects, believes engineers shouldn’t fear the future, but should help to shape it.
Aquiet but deliberate transformation is taking place in Australia’s energy infrastructure, and leading part of that charge is the newly appointed Executive General Manager (EGM) of Engineering at Consolidated Power Projects (CPP), James Warr.
The move is a significant milestone for Warr and for CPP, a company committed to cultivating leaders from within and helping shape the grid of tomorrow.
Warr’s appointment caps off a 14-year journey with the company.
From delivering high-voltage infrastructure as a senior electrical engineer to steering multidisciplinary teams through some of Australia’s most technically demanding energy projects, his career stands as a case study in
“To me, it’s recognition of my longstanding journey with CPP – 14 years now –and of living out what we call ‘the CPP way’,” Warr said.
“That includes our core values: teamwork, integrity, innovation and sustainability, as well as servant leadership, commitment and humility.
Warr’s calm confidence and sharp technical mind are matched by a leadership style that values humility over hierarchy and collaboration over command.
“It’s a privilege to lead a team within such a strong culture,” he said. “CPP has been a fantastic place to grow, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape its future.
Warr’s story begins well before his current executive post.
After cutting his teeth across utilities
engineer specialising in primary systems, delivering the high-voltage, heavy-current infrastructure that powers Australia’s electricity networks.
His early years at CPP saw him delivering large-scale projects up and down the east coast of Australia for utilities and generation clients.
Leadership opportunities came steadily: managing the primary systems team, stepping into broader engineering management, and finally assuming the mantle of EGM Engineering.
But the journey wasn’t without challenges, and that’s where Warr believes the real growth took place.
“It’s often the challenging projects which shape you the most,” he said. “Those experiences build resilience,
him along the journey.
“CPP has a strong culture of teamwork,” Warr said. “When someone hits a rough patch or makes a mistake, the whole team rallies around them.
“That culture of support and shared ownership has influenced my leadership approach more than anything.”
Warr steps into the new role at a pivotal moment.
Australia’s energy sector is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation, one driven by the decarbonisation of the grid, the retirement and replacement of legacy assets, and the increasing penetration of renewables, batteries and distributed generation technologies.
It is amid this transition that CPP is playing a critical role in delivering the infrastructure that makes the clean energy future possible.
At the same time, the demands on engineering teams are evolving fast. In addition to technical design responsibilities, today’s engineers must also be innovators, systems thinkers, and solid communicators.
That means Warr’s engineering team is busier – and more vital – than ever.
the engineering business unit to support that growth in a sustainable and efficient way,” he said
The global shortage of skilled power system engineers adds another level of complexity.
To help his team meet so many demands, Warr’s team is exploring new tools and technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to streamline tasks and give engineers the space to focus on what they do best: solve problems creatively.
“Engineering is inherently creative,” Warr said. “Yes, engineers are logical and systematic, but we’re also adept at solving complex problems that often haven’t been seen before.
“With the rise of AI, we’ll have better tools to manage the numbers. That frees us up to lean into our creative side and think strategically.”
Warr’s optimism for the future is clear. But his vision isn’t just about tools and technology – it’s about mindset.
“Engineers shouldn’t fear the future, we should help shape it,” he said.
“It’s our responsibility to understand how new and innovative systems work, where their limitations are, and how to integrate them safely and effectively into the real world.”
That philosophy underpins the way CPP is evolving its engineering function, not only to keep pace with industry trends but to lead from the front. Under Warr’s leadership, the focus is as much on people as it is on processes and principles.
“CPP has been excellent at providing opportunities to gain experience across different technical domains,” he said.
“Whether it’s utilities, renewables or gridscale infrastructure, the diversity of work keeps you learning.”
That exposure has helped Warr develop wide-ranging expertise, but it’s CPP’s commitment to professional development that has helped him grow into a leadership role.
“Professionally, I’ve been supported throughout my increasing leadership responsibilities via good mentorship and always being encouraged to think beyond just technical delivery to focus on culture, innovation, efficiency and the future direction of engineering,” he said.
For CPP, Warr’s journey reflects a broader story – the path to leadership is not about chasing titles but about growing through service, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. His appointment also highlights CPP’s investment in its people.
In an industry facing increasing talent shortages, the company sees internal development as a key to resilience and innovation as much as a retention strategy.
“The energy sector is changing rapidly, and CPP is changing with it,” Warr said.
“But our defining values – teamwork, integrity, innovation and sustainability –remain constant. That is our foundation that makes everything else possible.”
When asked what advice he would give to young engineers entering today’s workforce, Warr’s answer reflected his humility
“Some of the most rewarding roles I’ve taken on came when I was unsure of my capability, but I had the right people around me, and that made all the difference,” he said.
Warr’s advice is to be present, not perfect, and always endeavour to embody the professional competencies that have given the engineering discipline its rightfully respected place in society.
Across Australia, CPP continues to deliver some of the country’s most critical energy infrastructure. And behind the scenes are individuals like James Warr, leaders shaping not just projects but the next generation of engineers.
For more information, visit conpower.com.au
Fresh off the stage at the Smart Energy Gala Dinner, Melbourne Energy Group has every reason to celebrate.
When commercial solar installer
Melbourne Energy Group was awarded the REC Commercial Installation of the Year – ANZ Excellence Award at the recent Smart Energy Gala Dinner in Sydney, it represented a nod to its growing reputation for delivering highquality, technically robust solar projects across Australia.
For a company that’s built its name on meticulous engineering and end-to-end delivery, this award is more than a trophy – it’s validation.
“The award validates the direction we’ve been heading in,” Melbourne Energy Group Director and co-founder Shane Smillie said.
“We’ve been working hard to deliver quality projects to clients like those in the aged care sector. For us, it’s a reflection of our capability and performance in the commercial solar industry.”
The award-winning installations are seven projects Melbourne Energy Group recently completed across Victoria for aged care facilities, an emerging commercial solar segment that presents unique challenges. Their system sizes ranged from 60 kilowatts (kW) up to more than 200kW.
“One that stands out was a system installed at an independent living facility,” Shane said. “We used SolShare technology, which allows a central solar system to share energy across multiple units; in this case, around 60 apartments within the building. It was a technically challenging project.”
Installing a shared solar system across individual residential units requires intricate AC wiring and careful integration with existing infrastructure. Add in limited roof access and the need to manage communications with residents and facility staff, and the complexity quickly increases.
“Aged care facilities tend to have tight access constraints, so even just getting equipment on and off the roof wasn’t straightforward,” according to Shane.
“Each site had unique challenges that we had to navigate individually.”
The Melbourne Energy Group client base also features schools, universities and commercial hotel chains. The latter includes Best Western Hotels, where the company recently delivered three high quality installations across multiple sites.
Founded by Shane and Toby Payne, Melbourne Energy Group brings more than project management to the table. Both co-founders are highly qualified and experienced electricians and project managers, and that technical grounding informs everything they do.
has grown while staying true to its roots: quality, communication and safety.
Safety and quality are “non-negotiable” for Melbourne Energy Group.
The company only uses reputable brands and keep all installations in-house. That means its own licensed electricians are able to handle the work.
While aged care has been a major focus, the company’s commercial and industrial portfolio spans education, hospitality, manufacturing and multi-site clients, all of which come with their own technical profile.
“Our strength lies in adapting through tailored engineering and design,” Shane said.
That tailored approach starts with listening. Melbourne Energy Group doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all packages. Every system is built to serve the client’s specific energy and operational goals, whether they involve solar photovoltaic, batteries, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, or a combination.
The company understands that every business has its unique requirements, and that it needs to tailor each system to suit those requirements. That’s why its approach is to listen to a client’s needs before working with them to create a solution that works for their energy goals.
As the industry moves deeper into battery storage and energy management, Melbourne Energy Group is keeping pace by investing in analytics and system-sizing tools. The company recently partnered with a software provider that helps it closely analyse clients’ energy usage in depth, which in turn allows it to accurately size solar and battery systems, ensuring the client gets precisely
With a firm base in Victoria, Melbourne Energy Group is now branching out. Its latest endeavour is a 2.5-megawatt (MW) rollout across several aged care facilities in Tasmania, the company’s first major project outside of Victoria.
“It’s significant not only in scale but also as a milestone for our expansion,” Shane said.
“We certainly have the capacity to grow nationally, but right now we’re focused on supporting our current clients, wherever they are. If they need us in other states, we’re ready to go.”
Rather than pursue growth for its own sake, the company is choosing to evolve in alignment with its clients, including working with other engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies when needed.
Melbourne Energy Group is continuing to build partnerships and align with other businesses in the renewable space.
While the company does its own installations, it also work with other EPCs. Going forward, it will implement a more streamlined internal sales and design process to help us deliver end-to-end solutions more efficiently.
Melbourne Energy Group is known for clear communication, flexibility and delivering a clean installation process, even on jobs that require navigating difficult access, working at heights, or dealing with heritage approvals.
Behind the project milestones is a team that believes in building a clean energy future through small, consistent steps. With more than 12 years of experience in solar, the company has carved a niche by focusing on quality craftsmanship, environmental awareness and transparent communication.
“We’re a team of young, vibrant individuals passionate about making a difference in the renewable energy industry,” Shane said. “From solar system design to completed installation, we aim to be your trusted installer for any renewable investment.
“It comes down to experience and trust. That’s what clients come back for.”
As Melbourne Energy Group eyes future growth – both geographically and technologically – it remains grounded in its founding principle: do the work properly, and the rest will follow.
For more information, visit melbourneenergygroup.com.au
Aged-care facilities are an emerging commercial solar segment that presents unique technical and logistical challenges.
When storms strike, the damage to solar infrastructure isn’t limited to what’s visible. GBP is here
to help.
The recent cyclone that tore through Queensland’s Gold Coast left a trail of destruction across homes, businesses and solar infrastructure.
In the case of the many solar farms and rooftops in its path, panels were shattered, racking twisted, and systems pushed offline.
But getting solar systems back online isn’t as simple as swapping out broken modules. In fact, many of the panels installed a decade ago are now obsolete. Their sizes, power ratings, connectors, and even mounting holes no longer necessarily match what’s sold on the market today.
This often means a difficult decision for operators: replace the entire system at high cost or wait out a supply chain that’s not built for backwards compatibility.
In this darkness, GBP shines.
Local problem, global solution
GBP K.K., a Japanese clean tech solutions provider, has found a quiet but essential role in this space, offering compatible replacement panels that help solar systems bounce back after disaster, without the need for full-scale overhauls.
With headquarters in Tokyo, GBP supports solar operators around the world through its branch offices in Australia, China, and the US. Its Australian arm has already supplied thousands of replacement panels across the country, including to regional solar farms hit hardest by extreme weather events.
One of the most unique things about GBP is not just the product, but the philosophy. The company supports what’s already working, ensuring continuity in systems that were never designed to be replaced piece by piece. When panels fail after a storm, the assumption can often be that a quick replacement is easy.
But project owners often discover that today’s panel models don’t fit yesterday’s racking, match yesterday’s electrical parameters, or comply with feed-in tariff conditions unless the entire set-up is upgraded.
The result? Downtime, redesigns and, often, overcapitalisation.
“One of the biggest frustrations for solar operators is how hard it is to find compatible panels when older models are discontinued,” GBP K.K. CEO Yohei Tatsukawa said.
“At GBP, we specialise in quickly customproducing replacement panels that match the original specifications.
“By supporting what’s already there, we help project owners recover faster, spend less, and reduce waste, all while keeping clean energy flowing.”
GBP’s catalogue includes more than 800 supported panel types matching discontinued or legacy designs from major international brands. Whether the original panels were monocrystalline or polycrystalline, 30mm or 50mm thick, GBP finds a close match, dimensionally and electrically.
In many cases, its replacement panels offer up to 10 per cent higher energy output and a 40 per cent boost in conversion efficiency, helping systems perform even better.
It’s a solution that works just as well on a regional school’s rooftop as it does on a five-megawatt ground-mount system. It also works well with Australia’s landscape, where long asset lives and rural remoteness make replacement flexibility essential.
From panel to package GBP isn’t just a panel supplier. The company also delivers total solutions for solar plant infrastructure, especially during rebuilds.
Its offerings span a full suite of solar infrastructure components, including 1000volt (V) and 1500V combiner boxes, low- and high-voltage AC collector boxes, DC and AC cabling with anti-theft aluminium options, made-to-order transformers ranging from 10–2500 kilovolt-amperes (kVA), as well as mounting systems, MC4 terminals, monitoring hardware, and safety devices.
GBP also provides technical design support and on-site engineering services, which means operators aren’t left interpreting spec sheets in isolation. In a post-disaster-recovery context, that kind of boots-on-ground service can be the difference between delay and delivery.
GBP’s strength lies in its integration, from procurement to quality control, logistics and after-sales support.
All products are developed under strict Japanese standards, backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, and covered with product liability and quality assurance insurance. Business licenses span electrical construction, first-class architecture, and electrical retail, giving GBP scope to operate across the full solar supply chain.
The company’s internal structure is designed around client continuity. Even the packaging of replacement panels, tailored for delivery of a single module or thousands, reflects that responsiveness.
GBP’s operations have grown rapidly since 2019, with cumulative deliveries exceeding 150,000 panels by 2025.
Beyond operational benefits, GBP’s business model aligns with sustainability and circular economy goals.
Instead of prematurely decommissioning viable infrastructure, GBP’s compatible panel supply extends the life of older systems, reducing electronic waste and embodied carbon emissions.
GBP’s experience also extends to operations and maintenance services, including battery diagnostics, inverter upgrades, and site-wide repowering support. The company has worked across projects in Japan involving transformer installation, AC/DC cable replacement, and full system evaluations, displaying expertise that increasingly applies to Australia’s solar fleet.
As extreme weather events become more frequent and Australia expands its rooftop and grid-scale solar capacity, recovery solutions like GBP’s are becoming increasingly vital. Its work supports rural property owners, schools, and community projects that depend on solar for independence and resilience. By restoring damaged systems and extending the life of existing assets, GBP is reinforcing renewable infrastructure where it matters most: on the ground, after the storm, when reliability is critical.
For more information, visit www.gbp-global.com/en
Developers will benefit significantly from RELA Prepay, a tool enabling them to support one of their most important stakeholders – landowners.
According to the RELA, landowners across Australia are already using Prepay, which brings forward the value of long-term lease income as a single upfront payment.
“For many families, it is becoming a straightforward way to unlock capital without parting with land that has often been held for generations,” RELA said.
“Prepay is now a regular part of renewable energy discussions for landowners.”
The product is designed to provide landowners with choice. It allows them to access the net present value of a renewable energy lease and use the capital when it matters most, whether that’s for debt reduction, business growth, diversification or succession planning.
“For developers, RELA Prepay doesn’t change the lease, but it’s increasingly important to understand as landowners bring it to the table,” RELA said.
Although RELA Prepay is designed for landowners, developers still have a role to play in facilitating the prepayment.
“When landowners feel supported and confident in their decisions, the entire project and broader market benefits,” RELA said.
More than a dozen project-finance banks have already reviewed and approved transactions involving Prepay, which RELA said is evidence “the structure is well understood by the institutions that ultimately fund construction”.
“Helping landowners who wish to access Prepay doesn’t cost developers anything,” RELA said. “It’s a neutral tool from a developer’s perspective, but one that contributes to confidence and alignment on the landowner side.”
When it comes to what’s happening on the ground, RELA has found that
many landowners are now raising Prepay in conversations.
“Some have seen it work for neighbours, others have specific goals for the capital, such as reducing debt, business growth, diversification and estate planning,” the company said. “Developers working with RELA are increasingly familiar with the product. Many have seen how supporting a landowner through the Prepay process helps build trust and supports strong partnerships.”
RELA General Counsel Jess Salvato said it is “not about selling Prepay to developers”.
“It’s about developers recognising that this is now part of the conversation, and being prepared to support landowners when it comes up,” she said.
For more information, visit rela.com.au/rela-prepay
The Hazelwood North Solar Farm is a 450MW renewable energy project set to become the Victoria’s largest solar facility.
The Hazelwood North Solar Farm development will span 1100 hectares of land between Morwell and Traralgon in the Gippsland region of Victoria, an area recognised as a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
The region has long been viewed as an ideal location for large-scale renewable projects due to its strong potential for solar generation.
Once complete, the $651 million Hazelwood initiative will provide power to approximately 150,000 homes, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 700,000 tonnes annually.
Victoria Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, highlighted the importance of this project, which promises to bring more than just renewable energy
“The Latrobe Valley has been the home of Victoria’s energy generation for decades, and our nation-leading targets are helping solidify its role in our renewable energy future,” D’Ambrosio said.
During construction, it will create around 500 jobs and power 150,000 homes, injecting vitality into the Latrobe Valley’s economy, an area reliant on fossil-fuel power generation.
“As our transition to renewable energy continues across the Latrobe Valley, we’re supporting another valuable project that will boost cheap energy, and support jobs and economic growth for communities across the region,” local Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.
In addition to its solar capacity, the Hazelwood North Solar Farm will be equipped with a 450-megawatt (MW), four-hour battery energy storage system (BESS). This will allow the facility to store excess solar energy produced during the day and release it into the grid when demand is highest, enhancing grid stability and ensuring a consistent power supply.
The Hazelwood North Solar Farm is set to play a pivotal role in helping Victoria achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets. The state aims to source 65 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2030, with a further increase to 95 per cent by 2035.
In addition, Victoria has set a goal of achieving 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of energy storage capacity by 2030, which will increase to 6.3 gigawatts (GW) by 2035.
Victoria Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny, emphasised the project’s contribution to the state’s lofty goals.
How early energy planning is paying off – reducing energy costs and emissions from day one.
As pressure increases to deliver lower-emission, future-ready infrastructure without blowing the budget, a key trend is emerging – moving from passive energy use to energy-active precincts. Smart developers are ditching the bolt-on approach, embedding solar, storage and flexibility into the foundation of tomorrow’s infrastructure – actively reducing energy costs, improving asset value, and unlocking new revenue streams in the process.
While many commercial precincts already incorporate rooftop solar, unlocking the full value of energy assets requires integrated planning from the outset.
In a new greenfield manufacturing precinct development in Queensland, Origin Zero is partnering with the developer to model load profiles across refrigeration, compressed air, steam and hot water. The team is also consulting on a solar and battery system that is optimised not just for selfconsumption but also for grid support and market participation.
The project remains in the design stage, but the energy architecture is being designed with the future of the precinct in mind.
Elsewhere, Origin Zero is engaging with the owners of a major shopping centre to develop a proposal that includes retrofitting four existing centres to turn them into energy-active precincts, including converting one of their locations to a new embedded network set-up.
The multi-scope proposal includes installation of rooftop solar that supports local consumption and Virtual Power
Plant (VPP) participation during peak demand periods.
Key technical considerations across these types of projects:
• Modelling load profiles and designing generation assets in tandem
• Sizing solar and batteries, not just for greater energy self-sufficiency but for market participation
• Aggregating sites into VPPs
• Planning for electrification of vehicles, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and industrial plant from the outset
Delivering these outcomes requires expertise that spans engineering, regulation and market strategy.
That’s where energy partners like Origin Zero play a critical role, not just as technology providers but as strategic collaborators as part of precinct design.
“We’re seeing energy being pulled forward in the planning process,” Origin Zero General Manager Strategic and Enterprise Partners, Liam McWhirter, said.
“Developers want solutions that are technically robust but commercially viable, and they want to be ready for a more dynamic, decentralised grid.”
Energy as a strategic design discipline
Greenfield developments are uniquely positioned to help Australia decarbonise. They offer a blank canvas to embed renewables, storage, electrification and smart controls in a way that is integrated –not bolted on.
From a commercial perspective, precincts with smart energy infrastructure enjoy more than just lower bills.
They can also benefit from increased tenant appeal, particularly for corporates with environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals; operational resilience that protects critical functions; new revenue streams from VPPs and grid services; and longer-term asset value through future-proofed energy systems.
Traditionally, energy infrastructure in developments was designed around a service brought in from the grid, delivered through standard switchgear and billed through a meter.
But that model is rapidly evolving for a number of reasons:
• Grid access is increasingly constrained – large loads and export connections can face long timelines and complex approvals
• Net zero targets are tightening – greenfield projects without a decarbonisation pathway may struggle to secure financing or tenants
• The grid is evolving – flexible assets like batteries and controllable loads that can be enrolled into VPPs are becoming increasingly important By treating energy as part of early-stage infrastructure, not a post-construction retrofit, the industry can design sites that are more energy-efficient to operate and ready to flex with a dynamic grid. For developers looking to reduce longterm costs and differentiate their assets, now is the time to design with smarter, more flexible energy solutions in mind.
For more information, visit originenergy.com.au/enterprise
With a proven track record in delivering large scale, reliable and innovative energy solutions, our expert team can help you unlock the value of energy for your business - no matter how you procure, generate, store or use it. Learn more about what your energy assets could be doing for you.
www.originenergy.com.au/enterprise
The global energy transition is no longer on the horizon – it’s here.
When it comes to the energy transition, there is a growing expectation that the companies powering this shift do more than just deliver.
Many feel they must lead with care, integrity and innovation.
Growatt, a leading name in renewable and smart energy, is stepping up to that challenge, blending reliable technology with rigorous quality control.
Founded with the ambition to build the world’s largest intelligent sustainable energy ecosystem, Growatt has anchored its vision on two solid foundations: product excellence and corporate responsibility.
But what makes Growatt stand out is how deeply it embeds quality across every link of its value chain, from research and development (R&D) and manufacturing to product traceability and customer support.
One step, one inspection
Every Growatt product undergoes a rigorous series of tests, from raw materials through to the finished unit. The company applies its “one step, one inspection” principle at every point in the production process, using standardised quality
control procedures that meet or exceed international benchmarks.
Its production facilities in Shenzhen, Huizhou and Vietnam are certified under ISO 9001:2015, reflecting Growatt’s crossborder consistency and operational maturity.
Key indicators reinforce this commitment. Growatt record a monthly average pass rate of 98.76 per cent, while the comprehensive defect rate remained under one per cent. Crucially, there were zero major batch quality incidents.
This level of performance doesn’t happen by accident; it is the product of thorough design, disciplined engineering and fullchain accountability.
Four platforms, one purpose Growatt’s intelligent quality framework includes four specialised digital platforms:
• Material Reliability Platform: tests the durability and robustness of key components.
• Test and Verification Platform: examines performance under extreme and complex application conditions.
• Battery Testing Platform: evaluates safety, control accuracy and lifecycle.
• Customer Complaint and Return Platform: connects real-world feedback to R&D, enabling a closed-loop improvement cycle.
These platforms work together to trace issues, inform design upgrades and validate reliability under stress scenarios such as high voltage, lightning surges, extreme heat, and multi-inverter systems.
Each shipped product is accompanied by a quality inspection report and real-time monitoring system for operational safety. Growatt’s quality controls extend beyond testing.
The company upgraded six module lines to full automation and deployed robotic soldering across four production lines. It also integrated SAP with four key platforms – customer relationship management, office automation, supplier relationship management, and Growatt online service system – creating a seamless data exchange ecosystem that boosts efficiency and traceability. This transition to smart manufacturing is designed to support faster, safer, and more sustainable operations.
A new automated warehousing and
logistics centre in Growatt’s Huizhou factory, launched in May 2024 , further increases throughput while reducing labour intensity.
Growatt also fosters a culture in which people play a critical role in upholding standards. The company ran external education programs in 2024 through 86 technical training sessions and 49 exhibitions across 39 countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.
In May 2024, Growatt’s Australian team
successfully conducted a series of technical roadshows across four major cities –Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne – seamlessly integrating hands-on training sessions with live system demonstrations, equipping participants with advanced technical expertise while strategically positioning them to deliver superior solar energy solutions and drive customer success across Australia’s evolving energy landscape.
Customer service is underpinned by its global ‘five-fold commitment’, providing
support that is timely, personal and consistent. This includes 65 after-sales centres across 30 countries and a unified digital response platform for troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Leading with intent
Growatt Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Ding, believes the entire energy sector is undergoing a pivotal shift.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the new energy sector, where innovation serves as our primary strategy for growth,” Ding said. “Guided by this approach, we focus on core business areas and products, ensuring sustained progress and excellence.”
With the energy transition accelerating, Growatt is showing that quality control is not a checkbox – it’s a company-wide commitment. From component testing to final installation, from automation to on-site training, Growatt is showing what leadership in clean energy truly means.
For more information, visit au.growatt.com
The minds helping to shape the future of Australia’s electricity grid are set to come together in Adelaide this September.
What will the power systems of the future look like?
That is the type of question that will be addressed when CIGRE Australia hosts an integrated suite of three conferences in Adelaide from 2–4 September that will explore the theme, ‘Shaping the power systems of tomorrow’.
The event, which will be CIGRE Australia’s largest of 2025, will include the ninth South East Asian Protection Automation and Control conference (SEAPAC25) and the sixth Conference on the Integration of Distributed Energy Resources (CIDER25), as well as plenary sessions on the energy transition, a leadership breakfast hosted by Women in Energy, and the NEXTGEN Power Professionals Seminar on the professional and personal development of early-career professionals and students.
The events will bring together the brightest minds in protection, automation, distributed energy, and grid transformation at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
According to CIGRE Australia, the national branch of the global network of power systems professionals, the opportunity to an event like this is a rare one.
“A focused technical conference of this nature does not take place in Australia very often and will provide delegates multiple opportunities to hear from industry leaders
More than a technical conference, this three-day gathering offers a deep dive into the ideas and innovations guiding the transition to a smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy future.
The exhibition hall will provide the opportunity network with peers and meet Australian and international partners and
operations, markets and regulation, integration and IT and cybersecurity will help delegates learn how to bring more to the industry. The event features a number of other highlights:
To be held over two days (3–4 September), SEAPAC25 is a specialist conference that focuses on the design operation of substation and power system protection, control, metering and condition monitoring, as well as the associated interfaces to primary plant, SCADA and
Also held from 3–4 September, this two-day specialist conference will focus on energy resources, including their connection and integration to the distribution network, demand management, and integration with customer facilities.
Hosted by Women in Energy in the Panorama Ballroom at the Adelaide Convention Centre on the morning of Wednesday 3 September, this event will see Captain Mona Shindy CSC – a retired
of military and business experience –deliver what is sure to be a fascinating and inspiring talk.
Whether you’re a policymaker, engineer, early-career professional or energy executive, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear from regional and international experts on the frontlines of change.
Event host CIGRE (Conseil International des Grands Réseaux Électriques) is among the world’s preeminent forums for large electric systems, with more than 17,000 members all around the world.
CIGRE Australia represents more than 130 organisations and over 400 active members, providing a platform for industry collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange tailored to the country’s specific energy challenges.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. Registrations are now open.
The event will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 2–4 September. For more information, visit cigreconference.com.au
Whether it is energy systems, transport networks or urban infrastructure, climate resilience is now central to how things are built, maintained and adapted.
That is the starting point for the Engineers Australia Climate Smart Engineering Conference 2025 (CSE25), to be held for the first time in Adelaide on 27–28 August at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The event will bring together professionals across disciplines to share practical strategies for adaptation and mitigation – and to have frank conversations about what’s working, what’s not, and where we go from here.
This year’s theme, ‘Resilience engineered: Solutions for our climate reality’, reflects a clear shift in mindset.
Engineering decisions now shape climate outcomes as much as they respond to them.
The program is not framed as a crisis summit – it’s a working session designed for practitioners who are already deep in the reality of building for a changing world.
With more than 60 speakers from across industry, research and government, the focus is on engineered solutions already being implemented and the structural shifts still needed.
The line-up includes respected voices like Professor Mark Howden, director of the Australian National University’s Institute for
Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions and a key contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
His keynote will outline the current state of climate science and, more importantly, how that science is being translated into policy and infrastructure.
Sessions will also feature Engineers Australia Group Executive Professional Standards and Engineering Practice, Bernadette Foley, and ServiceGen co-founder, Ian Oppermann, discussing how to engineer flexibility into systems under pressure.
Subsequent keynote sessions from Natural Hazards Research Australia Science and Innovation Director, Professor Cheryl Desha, will seek to challenge some of the profession’s traditional risk frameworks and push for design approaches that evolve with shifting conditions.
On the practical side, the Engineering Circularity plenary will bring together researchers like Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox and engineering leaders like Professor Ali Abbas to explore how circular economy principles can drive resilience in supply chains, energy systems and material use.
Workforce development is also on the agenda.
Simon Kuestenmacher, known for his analysis of demographic trends and
future skills, will offer insights into how generational shifts and technology are reshaping the engineering sector. This represents a timely conversation, especially as demand for climate-focused skills grows faster than the current pipeline can supply.
Over two days, delegates will also explore technical sessions spanning decarbonisation, energy transition, circular economy, resilience, workforce, transport, infrastructure and more.
Each session is designed by engineers, for engineers, with input from industry, research and government experts to address real-world challenges.
Beyond the technical program, CSE25 offers something less tangible but just as important: space for candid conversation.
For engineers, policymakers and business leaders alike, the networking is not just about business cards – it’s about shared challenges, tested insights and ideas that might not surface in more formal forums.
In a profession that values rigour and realism, CSE25 offers a place to test assumptions, compare strategies and stay aligned on the challenges ahead.
The full program is now available, and registrations are open.
For more information, visit engineersaustralia.org.au/cse
Simon Kuestenmacher
Director and Co-founder, The Demographics Group
Jodie Bricout
Design Director, Circular Economy, Aurecon
Rainer Korte
FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER
Commissioner, Australia Energy Market Commission
Professor Mark Howden
Director of the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions and Vice Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Professor Cheryl Desha
FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER
Science and Innovation Director, Natural Hazards Research Australia
Elisha Harris
FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER
Director and Structural Engineer, Harris Kmon Solutions
engineersaustralia.org.au/cse
Clean Energy Council presents
29–30 July 2025
Sydney
Australia’s premier clean energy event is back
Join more than 1,600 industry professionals at the Australian Clean Energy Summit 2025 — the flagship event for Australia’s clean energy sector.
Held on 29–30 July at ICC Sydney, this must-attend event brings together the most influential leaders and voices of Australia’s clean energy sector including leading CEOs and executive teams, government decision-makers and specialists.
Don’t miss two days of powerful keynotes, expert panels and high-value networking. Be at the centre of the national clean energy conversation.
The recent Federal Election delivered a national vote of confidence in clean energy, but the work to win local support for large-scale renewables remains, the Clean Energy Council writes.
Australia is the lucky country. With abundant wind and sunshine, rich resources of critical minerals and a lot of space, there are few places in the world better suited to develop renewable energy projects.
As the recent Federal Election showed, renewable energy also enjoys broad support, and not just in the cities.
Research consistently finds high levels of support for renewable energy in regional Australia. In November 2024, research by 89 Degrees East found that 70 per cent of people living in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) support clean energy projects on farmland in their community.
A December 2024 survey of 2500 Australians conducted by an independent research firm for the Clean Energy Council found that producing more energy from solar farms and onshore and offshore wind farms had support from three quarters of Australians.
But that support can be fragile. While a lot of great work has been done to engage with communities, as a sector we need to invest in consistent approaches to deep and meaningful engagement, focused on bringing communities with us, from inception to delivery and beyond.
To support the sector, the Clean Energy Council has developed two new online courses for those working in clean energy projects to build understanding of the leading principles of engagement and benefit-sharing.
Social license leading practice course
This course offers an essential foundation for those studying or working in clean energy to foster social license. The 90minute session provides an introduction into engagement and benefit sharing with landholders, regional communities and First Nations peoples.
Originally designed for Queensland, the content is highly relevant across the Australian context.
The course is based on the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter, a voluntary set of 10 commitments to community and environmental standards that extend beyond simply complying with regulations.
Enrol at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/ social-license-course
Case study: Supporting jobs, the economy and community at Broadsound Solar Farm
Construction is beginning on Iberdrola Australia’s Broadsound Solar Farm project, which will host up to 634,000 solar panels in the Central Queensland REZ.
Alongside bringing investment to local businesses, increasing use of local products and services, generating local employment opportunities, and providing an alternative income stream for local farmers and
landholders, the project is also investing in local community initiatives.
Iberdrola Australia has established a community benefit fund to be administered by locals for the solar farm’s 25-plus-year lifespan.
This new course seeks to build an understanding of the principles of genuine engagement and partnership with First Nations communities on clean energy projects. Growing meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with these communities is critical to the success of clean energy projects and protecting cultural stewardship of Country.
The self-paced course takes three hours to complete. It is based on the 10 Best Practice Principles for Clean Energy Projects developed by the First Nations Clean Energy Network, which outlines engagement, participation and benefit-sharing practices, and why they’re important for the success of clean energy projects.
It is supported by Federal Government funding through the Local Jobs Program.
Enrol at cleanenergycouncil.org.au/ first-nations-course
Case study: Co-designing Indigenous engagement at the Kaban Green Power Hub
Neoen co-designed a comprehensive Indigenous Engagement Strategy with the Jirrbal People/Wabubbada Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners of the lands on which Kaban Green Power Hub is located in Queensland.
This committed Neoen to a range of benefit-sharing measures and ambitious Indigenous participation targets. One of
Teho Ropeyarn.
and
By embedding strong engagement and benefit-sharing practices, we can build lasting partnerships within the remarkable communities our sector has the privilege to work in and alongside, while realising the benefits of the clean energy rollout nationally.
We know that 70 per cent of Australians support the continued roll-out of renewables, but community trust must still be earned – one project at a time.
The Clean Energy Council is the peak body for the clean energy industry in Australia. It works to accelerate the country’s transition, laying the foundations for Australia to become a clean energy superpower by providing a strong voice for members; advocating for and promoting the industry; developing and driving effective policy and advocacy; working with industry to continually improve standards and maintain integrity; working closely with local, state and federal governments to remove roadblocks and increase demand for clean energy products; and providing services and initiatives to members and the wider industry that help grow the sector.
A new report from the Clean Energy Council has highlighted the importance of a national home battery rebate amid the continued growth of rooftop solar in Australia, with more than 300,000 households and businesses installing systems in 2024. The Clean Energy Council’s bi-annual ‘Rooftop Solar and Storage Report (Jul–Dec 2024)’ found that rooftop solar generation contributed 12.4
per cent of Australia’s total electricity supply last year, up from 11.2 per cent in 2023.
However, only 28.4 per cent of new solar installations in 2024 included a battery, leaving 3.8 million Australian households with solar but no storage.
Battery sales grew significantly in 2024, with 74,582 home units installed, up from 46,127 in 2023.
Australians need home batteries, but the high up-front cost remains a barrier for many.
International renewable energy company Omnidian has announced a new deal with Sigenergy to boost solar battery support in Australia. As part of the collaboration, Omnidian will provide a range of remote services designed to support Sigenergy’s installers and customers.
According to Omnidian, the services include real-time installer support, fault diagnosis, and troubleshooting during installation to minimise downtime. The partnership will also streamline communication and ticketing systems for customer and installer enquiries, ensuring timely responses across phone, email and web.
The aim is to improve the overall service experience by offering prompt resolutions to customer queries.
Sigenergy Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand, Will Hall, described the collaboration as a “gamechanging” partnership that will provide installers and customers with reliable support.
“At Sigenergy, we’re all about delivering the best battery tech and real support for our partners,” Hall said.
“By teaming up with Omnidian, installers and customers can feel confident knowing they’ve got a reliable partner every step of the way.
“We’re committed to ensuring every installation comes with top-notch care and dependability, and Omnidian’s service-first mindset fits right with our mission.”
Omnidian Australia President, David Pethick, highlighted the significance of
The report identified New South Wales as the leading state for home battery installations (14,686), followed by Victoria (10,996) and Queensland (8555).
Clean Energy Council General Manager – Distributed Energy, Con Hristodoulidis, said battery storage could significantly enhance household energy savings but remains financially out of reach for many.
“In a cost-of-living crisis, it’s clear the upfront cost of purchasing a home battery, which averages around $12,000–15,000, is a barrier to entry for many people, and this is why we need a national battery rebate scheme,” he said.
The Clean Energy Council has proposed a national rebate of up to $6500 per household as part of its ‘It’s time to back batteries’ campaign, which it believes could reduce individual energy bills and deliver system-wide benefits. According to the council, wider battery adoption could lower energy costs by $190 million by 2030 and create a more flexible and resilient grid.
“Batteries that are integrated into the grid [also known as orchestration, or virtual power plants] have the added advantage of supplying electricity to the grid when it is needed most, reducing costs for everyone and creating a more resilient energy system,” Hristodoulidis said.
“This partnership with Sigenergy demonstrates the power of combining exceptional products with outstanding support,” he said. “Together, we’re creating a complete solution that empowers retailers and installers to deliver unmatched value to their customers.
“We’re excited to help Sigenergy set a new standard of OEM [original equipment manufacturer] support in
South Australia’s City of Playford recently completed a multi-build solar installation across six key council buildings.
The project is powered by leading global solar manufacturer Trinasolar and local renewable energy service provider Venergy Solar. It is designed to reduce reliance on grid electricity and support sustainability efforts.
The project’s 202kW of installed capacity is expected to provide longterm energy savings while reducing
carbon emissions and powering nearby theatres, sports clubs and car parks.
The solar systems installed across the council buildings will contribute to Playford’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, aligning with its commitment to clean energy.
The project aligns with the council’s vision for a greener, more sustainable Playford.
“By investing in renewable energy, we are not only reducing costs but also demonstrating environmental
leadership that benefits our broader community,” City of Playford Senior Manager of Asset Operations, Jonathan Roberts said.
Venergy Solar managed the installation process, selecting Trinasolar’s high-performance Vertex S+ 500W modules for the project.
“Venergy is proud to have played a role in this project, ensuring high-quality solar solutions were installed efficiently,” Venergy CEO, Matthew Wilkins, said. “Trinasolar modules were chosen for their performance, durability, and long-term reliability.”
Trinasolar’s Vertex S+ modules incorporate n-type i-TOPCon cell technology, which is designed to enhance energy efficiency and longterm durability.
Trinasolar Head of Australia and New Zealand, Edison Zhou, said the company is pleased to collaborate with Venergy and the City of Playford to support clean energy generation in critical community infrastructure.
“Our focus remains on providing highquality, efficient solar technology that contributes to long-term sustainability,” he said.
JA Solar has announced a partnership with Borussia Dortmund to install the world’s largest photovoltaic (PV) system on a stadium roof.
The system will be installed on Germany’s Signal Iduna Park, home to Borussia Dortmund, which holds the and is expected to generate over four megawatt-hours (MWh) of green electricity annually for the club’s own consumption.
JA Solar will provide more than 11,000 of its Full-Black solar modules for the system, which will help reduce the club’s CO2 emissions by approximately 1800 tons per
Director, Carsten Cramer, said. “With JA Solar’s modules, which will power the largest photovoltaic system on any stadium roof, we are setting the course for a more environmentally friendly future.”
The rooftop system is set to power the floodlights for 1000 matches per year
New community batteries have been switched on in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, offering energy savings to residents across Dapto and Warrawong.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program, funded through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The batteries, built and operated by Endeavour Energy, are designed to store excess solar energy during the day and feed it back to the grid during peak demand periods.
According to the Federal Government, solar and non-solar households can apply to use the batteries through Endeavour Energy’s retail partner, potentially saving up to $400 a year on energy bills.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, highlighted the potential cost-of-living relief the batteries could bring to local residents.
“These new Illawarra community batteries will go some way to help take the sting out of energy bills for locals every year,” Bowen said.
industrial heritage.
Iberdrola Australia has played a key role in expanding Adelaide Airport’s renewable energy capabilities, completing the installation of more than 3800 solar panels on the terminal roof.
The new 2.3-megawatt (MW) peak solar system nearly triples the airport’s
total solar capacity to a peak of 3.5MW, enough to power around 1000 homes.
Adelaide became the first major airport in Australia to achieve carbon neutrality in December 2024 and has cut its emissions by nearly 90 per cent since 2018.
“Illawarra has a long and proud industrial history, and this community battery ... is another chapter,” he said. “This investment represents our commitment to the Illawarra’s bright energy future.”
Iberdrola Australia noted the fact that the project combines behind-themeter and in-front-of-the-meter renewable energy solutions, helping the airport to lower its power costs while also advancing its sustainability objectives.
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Large-scale Generation Certificate market
Things have not been great for the Largescale Generation Certificates (LGC) market across 2025, with prices tracking steadily lower through April and into May.
Spot prices slipped out of the mid-$20s, falling to $20.75 in early April, where they found temporary support. However, the downward momentum soon resumed, with fresh lows of $17.50 recorded by early May. Some buying interest subsequently returned, allowing prices to recover slightly, briefly reaching $19.00 on the 13th, before easing back to $18.75 at the time of writing. The question remains whether the recent buying will be sustained or turn out to be only a temporary reprieve in a falling market.
The forward market continued to mirror the broader softness in spot, with tight spreads persisting between near-dated
vintages and little appetite for the longerdated contracts. Cal25s, which spent much of March in the mid-$20s, slipped into the low $20s by early April before easing further into
the high teens, where it sits at the time of writing following a brief rally back to $20.00.
Cal26s followed a similar trajectory, falling from the low-$20s to a fresh low of $15 in early May, before recovering to $16.50 at the time of writing. Further along the curve, Cal27s struggled for depth, with thin liquidity seeing prices drift from the midteens in March to $12 by early May, before staging a modest recovery to $13.
Fundamentally, little has shifted for the LGC market, with increasingly competitive sellers being met by limited buying interest as the market contends with a growing surplus. On the other side of the ledger, it’s never been cheaper to ‘go 100 per cent renewable’, leading many to hope for a
meaningful uptick in voluntary purchases from commercial and industrial buyers, who for now remain largely on the sidelines.
The Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) market saw a month-long spell with the Clearing House in surplus from midMarch to April, which saw a modest pick up in trading activity with spots changing hands at the $39.90 level.
The Clearing House’s return to deficit in April ahead of the Q1 surrender peaked at roughly five million certs by late April, slowly reducing since to 3.6 million.
With the Federal Government’s reelection, Labor’s residential battery policy now appears set to kick off from 1 July. Offering substantial a subsidy for battery uptakes, it is likely to see an extraordinary jump in residential installations over the coming months.
While unclear, it appears that despite being part of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), the installations may not create STCs, but instead another type of certificate to be purchased only by the government. If this design is ultimately implemented, the batteries themselves may not cause a spike in STC supply, but any corresponding spike in photovoltaic (PV) sales that may accompany the battery push may very well do just that.
While the spots have been largely dormant given the deficit, the forward market began to see more activity from March, including some punchy $39.83 strips for key months across the balance of 2024 and early 2026.
More recently, though, $39.60 has been the level for trades for delivery across later 2025 and 2026 periods.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate (VEEC) prices continued to soften through late March, easing from $110 to $108.50 by 1 April. Downward momentum then accelerated, with the spot breaking below $100 within a fortnight. After a brief stabilisation through the second half of April, renewed selling pressure emerged in early May, driving prices sharply lower to a recent low of $88.50 on 6 May.
The sharp drop in recent months appears driven by a mix of shifting perceptions around supply and demand fundamentals, with supply having jumped significantly across the 2025, thus substantially reducing the prospect of a supply crunch in the 2025 compliance year. And with a consultation paper released in late 2024 showing the government was intending to substantially
CORE Markets is an end-to-end markets, technology and climate solutions partner for business. The above information has been provided by CORE Markets and relates, unless otherwise indicated, to the spot prices in Australian dollars, as of 10 March 2025. Marco Stella is Head of Carbon and Renewable Markets at CORE Markets.
reduce the targets during the 2026 and 2027 ‘interim target’ period, the prospects of healthy surpluses re-emerging now appear more likely.
The forward market was similarly active across the period, with multiple fluctuations in the shape of the curve from its long-standing backwardation (forward prices being below spot), to at times seeing a premium for 2025 forwards. At the time of writing, the curve has flattened between spot and 2025 forwards, before dropping away sharply beyond April 2026, where buyer interest remains thinner.
After the market’s bullish reaction to the proposed Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) rule changes in early March, prices quickly retraced from $16.40 to $13.75 by the end of the month. April did bring another round of renewed buying which saw the price grind higher to the mid-teens, where it has since remained.
Major looming regulatory changes include the Gazettal of the annual rule change, which will see end dates for commercial lighting (six months from Gazettal date) and sale of new appliances (three months from Gazettal date) introduced. There is also then the statutory review that is looking into many aspects of the scheme that could recommend a range of changes.
In the meantime, monthly registrations have been very strong across 2025 so far, adding to an already very large surplus that is currently enough to cover the next three compliance years.
As Australia accelerates toward a renewable future, energy storage is emerging as a linchpin for reliable, self-sustaining power systems.
Among the companies responding to the energy storage challenge is Solplanet, a brand built on simplifying solar. With a clear focus on usability, safety and long-term performance, Solplanet’s latest high-voltage battery series, the Ai-HB G2, brings modular, scalable storage into homes and businesses ready to embrace solar independence.
Solplanet’s core philosophy, ‘solar for everybody’, is evident not only in its range of solar inverters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and monitoring solutions, but also in its commitment to making renewable energy easy to adopt.
From residential rooftops to larger commercial systems, the company designs its products with user experience at the centre. That means simple installation, reliable operation and intuitive monitoring, features that are deeply embedded in the Ai-HB G2 series.
At the heart of the Ai-HB G2 is a modular approach to energy storage.
The series supports configurations up to 20.48 kilowatt-hour (kWh), allowing users to expand as their energy needs grow.
Built for seamless integration with Solplanet’s three-phase hybrid inverters, the battery system is designed with plug-in convenience, reducing installation
complexity and speeding up commissioning for installers.
The stackable, high-voltage design offers more than just capacity – it brings intelligence. Each module is connected to a smart battery management system (BMS) that monitors at the cell level, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
This precision control not only improves efficiency but also extends the battery’s lifespan, offering peace of mind to users investing in long-term storage solutions.
Outdoor use comes standard for the Ai-HB G2. With an IP65-rated enclosure, the system is ready to handle Australia’s variable climate, from coastal humidity to inland heat.
Its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry adds another layer of safety, offering thermal stability and resistance to overcharging, critical features for remote and urban applications alike.
The combination of robust physical design and advanced cell protection underlines the company’s focus on durability.
Whether installed in suburban households or rural properties, the Ai-HB G2 provides consistent performance backed by decades of manufacturing experience.
Solplanet complements its hardware with an easy-to-use digital interface. The
The upcoming events in the renewables industry.
Join the peak gathering of leaders driving Australia’s energy transformation.
This two-day annual conference is a must-attend event for anyone working in the Australian clean energy industry, bringing together thought leaders and decision-makers from across industry, government and finance to share the models, trends and technology innovations in driving clean energy.
Join this event for a stellar line-up of exceptional thought-leadership, educational and networking experiences.
Date: 29–30 July
Location: Sydney
The most influential leaders and voices will delve into the challenges and opportunities unique to the Sunshine State’s clean energy transition.
This two-day event also features a stream focused on Australia’s large-scale solar and storage sector, with conversations focused on the pivotal role these technologies play in accelerating Australia’s journey towards a clean energy future.
Date: 15–16 September
Location: Brisbane
No-Dig Down Under is the Southern Hemisphere’s only large-scale conference and exhibition dedicated to trenchless technology. Organised in partnership with the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT), No-Dig Down Under has grown over the years to become the second largest no-dig technology event in the world, and is now considered a ‘mustattend’ for all industry professionals.
A range of training courses on trenchless methods will be presented prior to the conference. These will be undertaken by industry leaders from Australia and overseas and will be of value to anyone who encounters trenchless technologies as part of their employment.
Date: 17–18 September
Location: Melbourne
As Australia’s longest running mining show, Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) has a history of supporting the latest trends and developments in the industry.
Following a strong bid from the State Government, AIMEX will now call South Australia home for the next 10 years.
This move marks an exciting new chapter for the event and the region’s resource sector, with the state leading the way in future-focused mining.
The new phase of AIMEX brings an expanded floorplan with outdoor availability and new verticals, including Transformative Technology and the Research and Development Hub.
AIMEX offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with Australia’s largest community of mining suppliers and professionals in an environment that stimulates innovation and collaboration.
Date: 23–24 September
Location: Adelaide
All Energy Australia is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most anticipated event in the clean energy sector’s annual calendar. Organised by RX Global and held in partnership with the Clean Energy Council, this free-to-attend event provides delegates with exclusive access to the latest technology, information and trends relevant to those working or investing in the renewables sector.
Date: 29–30 October
Location: Melbourne
ASIA-PACIFIC’S INTERNATIONAL MINING EXHIBITION
23-25 SEPTEMBER 2025
Adelaide Showground, South Australia
Register to attend AIMEX’s inaugural event in South Australia