Australian Capital Territory to meet 100% renewable target
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Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Simon Corbell, announced that the wind farms will share in 200MW of large feed-in tariff grants offered under the Next Generation Renewables reverse auction process.
“The winning projects are the Crookwell 2 wind farm in local NSW and the third stage of the Hornsdale Wind farm in South Australia,” Mr Corbell said.
“It is with great satisfaction that the Government can announce this final piece of our plan. These two wind farms will lift our renewable energy percentage to 100% by 2020 and secure the achievement of our emission reduction goals in that year.”
As with all previous reverse auctions run by the Government, the Next Generation Renewables auction has again set a new benchmark price for renewable energy in Australia with $73/MWh for the Hornsdale Wind Farm, fixed for 20-years. The price for Crookwell Wind Farm of $86.60/MWh is a record low for a wind farm in NSW.
Corbell said Canberra has established an international reputation for its sustainable energy policy.
"The ACT is attracting international business investment and creating exciting new collaboration opportunities for local start-ups and entrepreneurs,” Mr Corbell said.
"The economic benefits that will flow from successful reverse auction projects now total more than $500 million.
"This will ensure Canberra remains at the centre of this industry as it grows nationally and internationally. With four international wind companies establishing their headquarters here, the future jobs growth potential is enormous." ■