Tilt Renewables Targets 10 GW Wind and Solar Projects in Australian Outback
A prominent developer in Australia’s renewable energy sector, Tilt Renewables, is setting its sights on the vast Australian Outback, particularly in areas north of Broken Hill, as it explores the potential for up to 10 gigawatts (GW) of new wind and solar initiatives.
The company aims to utilise the region’s outstanding wind and solar resources in the far west of New South Wales (NSW). However, the realisation of these plans hinges on the establishment of additional transmission lines to connect these resources to the existing electrical grid.
Current Infrastructure and Future Prospects
Tilt Renewables already possesses various assets in proximity to Broken Hill, which include the 200 MW Silverton wind farm and the 50 MW Broken Hill solar farm. The company is scouting for further development opportunities to the north of Broken Hill, as well as in remote sites across Queensland, South Australia, and possibly even Victoria.
The Broken Hill area is where Tilt Renewables feels the most promise. The firm has branded its undertaking as the “Outback Energy” project, highlighting its potential to revolutionise Australia’s green energy landscape. The impressive scale of the prospective developments and the expectation of fewer planning challenges contribute to this enthusiasm.
Engagement with Local Stakeholders
A brochure distributed by Tilt Renewables points out several advantageous factors for developing projects in far western NSW, such as low population density, limited land use conflicts, and a scarce number of threatened ecological species. CEO Anthony Fowler remarked, “We are still in the early investigation stage, but we have had some preliminary discussions with local leaseholders, the Pastoralist Association, Wilyakali Aboriginal Corporation, and other stakeholders regarding the establishment of new renewable energy assets.”
Fowler further asserted that their previous experience in Broken Hill and Silverton has highlighted the exceptional wind and solar potential in the region, making it reasonable to pursue additional opportunities.
Renewable Energy Landscape in NSW
The solar potential in far western NSW is commendable, but the more significant allure appears to be its wind resources, which are predominantly available during the night and “when we need energy the most,” according to Fowler. NSW is on track to replace all its ageing coal-fired power stations within the next decade; however, the current pace of development is lacking, causing delays in the closure timelines of stations like Eraring and Vales Point.
Wind farm developments have faced challenges due to planning issues, community approval, and network limitations. Currently, there is only one wind project under construction in the state – Squadron Energy’s Uungula – with no additional projects expected to commence before the year’s end.
Tilt Renewables’ Commitment and Future Goals
Despite the challenges, Tilt Renewables has been notably active in developing wind farms across Australia. The firm recently secured off-take agreements and reached financial closure on smaller projects, such as Waddi in Western Australia and Palmer in South Australia. Their last completed project in NSW was Rye Park, and they also hold rights to the gigawatt-scale Liverpool Range wind project in the region, which has received support under the federal government’s Capacity Investment Scheme.
Fowler reiterated that while their plans are still in the formative stages and likely several years from fruition, it is essential to be “open and transparent” about their intentions as they move forward. “A critical issue to address before any new renewable energy projects can be realised in the region is securing secondary transmission connections to the east coast,” he added.
Collaborative Efforts for Renewable Energy Zones
Tilt has submitted a proposal to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) earlier this year, advocating for new transmission lines to harness the renewable energy resources in the region. The proposal is part of a collective effort involving six companies, including Squadron Energy, Ark Energy, Voyager Renewables, and major Spanish firms Iberdrola and Acciona, to create an “inland renewable zone” capable of generating over 10 GW of new renewable energy once fully operational.
This proposal also highlighted that existing renewable energy zones are constrained by public acceptance, land use disputes, and limited hosting capabilities, a reality many developers are facing with increasing frustration in the south-west Renewable Energy Zones (REZ).
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