Australian Government Greenlights 45 Renewable Energy Projects, With Another 128 in the Pipeline
The most recent development is the approval of a new solar farm in Central West New South Wales.
The Albanese government has given the green light to 45 renewable energy projects, with another 128 in the pipeline.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced the latest project on March 22.
This new solar farm, intended to power 200,000 homes, will be located in the central west of New South Wales.
The Sandy Creek Solar Farm, an 840-megawatt solar farm and battery energy storage system, will be built 25 kilometers southwest of Dunedoo.
Ms. Plibersek emphasized the government’s aim to unlock Australia’s potential as a renewable energy superpower.
“It’s a significant endeavor, and we are working diligently to achieve it. So far, I have approved 45 renewable energy projects with another 128 in the approval process,” she stated.
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“We aim to unleash the potential of Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse.”
The project received approval following an evaluation under Australia’s national environmental law.
Highlighting the project’s benefits, the government lauded that the solar farm would lead to savings equivalent to 1.4 million carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
“The project is anticipated to save almost 1,400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, comparable to the emissions of 440,000 cars off the road for a year,” the government reported.
The project will create 600 employment opportunities during the construction phase and sustain 10 long-term jobs.
“We acknowledge that projects like this are crucial for boosting renewables, but they also have positive impacts on local jobs and economies,” the government emphasized.
Recently, the Federal government allocated a $20.1 million taxpayer grant through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for a fleet of 43 electric trucks.
‘Renewable Only’ Strategy Concern
On the other hand, the Opposition has raised concerns that the government’s sole focus on renewables is increasing electricity prices.
In the parliament on March 20, Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability and Western Sydney Melissa McIntosh highlighted the challenges faced by a Western Sydney food charity at risk of closure due to rising energy bills by $900.
In response, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen pointed to a recent announcement indicating upcoming decreases in energy costs.
“There is still a lot of work to be done; no one should be complacent, and there are evident pressures in the system,” Mr. Bowen stated.
Opposition Leader Dutton confirmed that the Coalition will advocate for nuclear power in Australia in the next election.
“We need to address the uncertainties around supply—thus, we need to ensure that we can maintain a stable energy supply.”
Mr. Dutton claimed that “over-reliance on renewables” escalates prices, highlighting that with “baseload power in the energy mix like nuclear, prices remain lower.
Renewable Spend Continues
The Federal government continues to unveil new funding for renewable projects and crucial minerals.
Moreover, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently disclosed that parcel delivery company Team Global Express will replace a third of its trucks in Western Sydney with electric vehicles.
“This initiative upholds our election promise through the Driving the Nation Fund to reduce transport emissions and deploy charging infrastructure nationwide.”
Team Global Express CEO Ms. Holgate expressed enthusiasm about the trucks traversing Sydney roads, delivering parcels directly to residential and commercial customers.
“Team Global Express takes pride in implementing an electric vehicle trial of this magnitude and supporting our industry and country’s transition towards renewable energy,” Ms. Holgate conveyed.
Further, the Albanese government is investing in critical minerals projects that contribute to materials utilized in renewable energy sources.
“Nine of the ten critical minerals essential for lithium batteries are present in Australia, presenting vast job and economic prospects in the net-zero transformation,” Mr. Bowen stated.
In addition, the government is allocating $840 million to rare earths miner Arafura Rare Earths to advance Australia’s inaugural rare earth mine and refinery, the Nolans Rare Earths Project in the Northern Territory.
This venture will yield Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr), which are integral components in EV and wind turbine magnets.
