Renewables developer Neoen has secured a contract to supply 100MW of wind energy from Stage 1 of its Goyder Renewables Zone in an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government renewables auction.
The ACT Government will be supplied from clean electricity from the wind farm for a term of 14 years under the agreement.
The first stage of Goyder is expected to commence construction in 2022, Neoen said.
As part of the tender selection process Neoen will build a battery storage facility with a capacity of at least 50MW 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.
Neoen will also build on its existing partnership with Canberra Institute of Technology’s Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence by co-developing programmes in cyber security for renewables, Indigenous land care and hydrogen.
Work will also commence with Australian National University on a research project focused on grid-scale battery performance optimisation, as well as a feasibility study for a solar panel or battery recycling facility.
Neoen Australia Managing Director Louis de Sambucy 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.”