• Neoen has been awarded a 14-year contract to supply 100 MW of wind energy from Stage 1 of its Goyder Renewables Zone in an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government renewables auction.
• As per the contract, Neoen will also build and own a battery storage facility of at least 50 MW in Canberra, Australia’s capital, in which residents of the ACT and Capital Region will have the opportunity to invest
• Both projects assist the ACT in strengthening its global leadership position as a 100% renewable energy jurisdiction striving for net zero emissions by 2045
• To advance the ACT’s renewable energy sector, Neoen, in partnership with Canberra Institute of Technology, will co develop courses in cyber security for renewables, Indigenous land care, and hydrogen

Neoen (ISIN: FR0011675362, Ticker: NEOEN), one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing producers of exclusively renewable energy, has been awarded a 14-year contract for the first 100 MW of wind energy from Neoen’s Goyder Renewables Zone located in South Australia after winning the highly competitive process. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is an internationally recognised 100% renewable electricity jurisdiction, focused on reaching net zero emissions by 2045.

This is Neoen’s fourth ACT Government contract, reinforcing its position as a major long-term partner in the territory’s low carbon transition, and one of Australia’s leading renewable energy companies. Under the new contract, the ACT will be supplied from Stage 1 of the Goyder wind farm, part of Neoen’s Goyder Renewables Zone in South Australia. Goyder will leverage the exceptional wind and solar renewable resources of the area and deliver a significant economic boost to the local community. Goyder continues to proceed through its formal development approval process and is expected to commence construction in 2022 for the first stage.

As part of the tender selection process, Neoen has committed to go beyond the base requirements on the tender process and build a battery storage facility with a capacity of at least 50 MW in the nation’s capital to support and stabilise ACT’s electricity grid. The battery will be open to community co-investment, providing residents of the ACT and Capital region with an opportunity to become financial stakeholders in the project. Since winning the ACT’s first wind auction in 2015, Neoen has played a pivotal role in developing Canberra’s renewable energy sector and this contract will see Neoen continue to deliver a range of local industry development initiatives.

Taking its existing partnership with Canberra Institute of Technology’s Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence to the next level, Neoen will co-develop programs in cyber security for renewables, Indigenous land care and hydrogen. Work will also commence with ANU (Australian National University) on an industry-leading research project focused on grid-scale battery performance optimisation, as well as a feasibility study for a solar panel and/or battery recycling facility.

Louis de Sambucy, Neoen Australia’s Managing Director said: “We are delighted to have been awarded another highly prized long-term contract with the ACT Government, and we are proud to be playing such a major role in helping the nation’s capital maintain its 100% renewable electricity target. With over half of Neoen’s team working from our Canberra office, it is a ‘home win’ and we look forward to deepening our commitment and contribution to the ACT’s energy system and inviting the community to invest alongside us. The Goyder Renewables Zone that supports this contract is a landmark project that will not only provide a significant boost to the South Australian economy but will also allow all Canberrans to benefit from clean, reliable and affordable electricity.”

Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability for the ACT said: “The ACT has been an Australian leader in being powered by 100% renewable electricity and we are using reverse auctions like this to make sure we continue this as our city expands and our power consumption increases. The batteries will also help support the territory’s own grid, particularly providing power to help avoid blackouts during periods of high demand and when large fossil fuel generators fail in heatwave conditions.”

Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: “Our Australian story began in the ACT and this fourth contract underscores our extraordinary track record in being able to deliver competitive pricing and build robust, innovative projects. We are currently managing all of our Australian assets, including the world’s first big battery, from our Canberra office, and will continue to apply these learnings across Neoen’s growing Australian and international portfolio.”