Second wind farm in two days reaches financial close, first on main grid for 2025

The Macquarie-backed Aula Energy has announced it has reached financial close for its Carmody’s Hill wind project in South Australia, the second project to announce FID in two days in Australia and the first on the country’s main grid in 2025.

Aula says construction on the 256 megawatt (MW) wind farm is expected to begin in early 2026 and comes after the company secured a previously announced long term off-take deal with Snowy Hydro.

The $900 million project will comprise 42 turbines and a 275kV transmission line to join the main grid in the state’s Mid North and Aula may add a battery to the site at a later date.

The announcement comes just a day or so after Tilt Renewables said it had broken the year-long investment drought in wind energy by reaching FID on its 108 MW Waddi wind project in Western Australia. Tilt is also close to reaching FID on its Palmer wind project in South Australia.

Aula says the Carmody’s Hill project is its second wind project to reach FID in 15 months, following the financial close of its flagship project, the Boulder Creek wind farm, in Queensland in September last year.

“Closing two major wind projects in consecutive years is a clear demonstration of our team’s dedication to building Australia’s clean energy future,” said Chad Hymas, the CEO of Aula Energy.

“From Boulder Creek to Carmody’s Hill, Aula Energy is proving that even in challenging market conditions, we can deliver and make a difference to the sector. As a new leader in Australia’s clean energy transition, we have built deep expertise and have a long-term commitment to create shared value for all.”

The early development work on Carmody’s Hill was done with the help of Renewable Project Services, before Aula Energy assumed sole ownership of the project at financial close. The project was also successful in the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme Tender 4.

It will be using GE Vernova turbines, while construction and other project work will be delivered by DT Infrastructure, GHD, Aurecon, and ElectraNet.

Aula Energy says the project will deliver long-term benefits for Georgetown, Gulnare, Caltowie, Bundaleer, Washpool, Gladstone and the Nukunu People. A community benefit fund will be established.

“Aula Energy extends its appreciation to local communities for their valuable input throughout the development phase,” Hymas said.

“Community feedback has helped shape this project, and we’re grateful for the strong engagement and support. We look forward to continuing this partnership as construction begins and well into the future.”

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