Singapore’s Metis kicks off Australia renewable plans with first big solar project

Singapore-based Metis Energy says it has reached financial close and issued contracts to start the construction of its first major Australian renewable play – the 111 MW (dc) Gunsynd solar project in southern Queensland.

The Gunsynd solar project is located near Goondiwindi and is expected to be the launch pad for Metis Energy’s broader renewable plans in Australia, which includes the Bendemeer renewable energy hub in the New England region of NSW.

Metis has appointed PLC solar to build the project, which will employ around 100 people during construction, and is expected to be completed in 2025. The go-ahead was given after finance was sealed with the help of DBS, SMBS and Siemens Financial Services.

“The Gunsynd Solar Farm project will serve as the cornerstone of Metis Energy’s expanding Australian
portfolio,” said Metis executive chairman and interim CEO Tang Kin Fei.

“The experience gained during its execution will be instrumental as the Metis Energy team gears up to embark on the Bendemeer Renewable Energy Hub Projects and future renewable energy projects in Australia.”

Metis recently sold its interests in an Indonesian thermal energy business and has built what it says is the largest commercial rooftop project in Vietnam.

The $1.2 billion Bendemeer renewable energy hub, near the village of the same name north east of Tamworth, proposes a mix of wind (360 MW), solar (210 MW) and battery storage (200 MW, 400 MWh) and will be located in the heart of the New England renewable energy zone.