Evoegy Consulting

The Australian government has taken a big step towards making the renewable energy transition more balanced and rewarding for landowners. Two new initiatives aim to build trust, improve transparency, and create new financial opportunities for farmers and rural communities. The first is a Developer Rating Scheme, which will hold renewable energy companies accountable for how they engage with landowners. Farmers have been frustrated by poor consultation, secrecy, and feeling left out of the decision-making process for too long. Now, with 24 major developers including Goldwind, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Ark Energy Corporation, and EnergyAustralia, this scheme will help landowners identify who is genuinely acting in good faith. The second initiative is a new software tool designed to help landowners understand the wind and solar potential of their land. It provides clear, data-driven insights into how much their land is worth for renewable projects, factoring in things like grid proximity and environmental conditions. This kind of transparency means landowners can negotiate better deals with developers and make informed decisions about whether to lease their land. With landowners feeling more confident and engaged, project approvals could move faster, reducing roadblocks and making large-scale renewable development easier to roll out. A system that works for both the developers and landowners means more renewable projects can move forward, ultimately driving investment, boosting regional economies, and helping Australia cement its status as a global clean energy leader. #renewableenergy #developerratingscheme #farmers #engagement #sustainability #wind #solarpower #australia #evoegy

Squadron Energy has taken a major step forward with its 594 MW Bookham Wind Farm in New South Wales. The company has lodged an environmental permit application under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, bringing this ambitious wind-plus-storage project closer to reality. Planned for Bookham, Yass Valley Shire, approximately 316 km southeast of Sydney, the project will include up to 99 turbines and a 250 MW/1,000 MWh battery. Once operational, it is expected to produce enough clean energy to power nearly 300,000 homes annually. The wind farm is also investigating several grid connection options, including the 500 kV HumeLink, to maximise efficiency. Community consultations and environmental assessments are underway, with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in progress. This project is part of Squadron’s broader plan to commission 14 GW of renewables by 2030. The company already has 1.1 GW in operation and another 900 MW under construction. With strong momentum behind it, the Bookham Wind Farm could set a strong precedent for future large-scale renewables in Australia. We are looking forward to the next steps and the impact this could have on our energy future. #windfarm #battery #renewables #sustainability #australia #onshorewind #energystorage #bookham #windpower #evoegy

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has confirmed that four offshore wind developers have submitted bids for feasibility licences in Western Australia’s Bunbury zone. This 4,000 km² zone has the potential to support 11.4GW of offshore wind capacity, critical for powering WA’s growing industries and meeting the state’s future electricity demands. However, WA’s offshore wind sector has faced recent hurdles. Several developers have withdrawn due to infrastructure gaps and slow grid electrification. Adding to the uncertainty, the federal opposition has threatened to scrap offshore wind development zones if elected, making some investors hesitant. BlueFloat Energy, for instance, has pressed pause on its Illawarra feasibility application, waiting to see how political decisions unfold. Meanwhile, Victoria is making progress. Six offshore wind projects in the Bass Strait have secured feasibility licences, with the potential to generate 25GW, more than the state’s entire annual consumption. They will also create over 22,500 jobs, proving that offshore wind is as much about economic growth as it is about clean energy. Despite the challenges, offshore wind is still moving forward. Bowen is pushing hard, reinforcing government support, and emphasising its role in securing Australia’s energy future. For the industry to truly thrive, Australia must establish clear policies, streamline approvals, and invest in better infrastructure, especially upgraded ports to handle the scale of these projects. #renewableenergy #offshorewind #windenergy #banburyzone #electricitydemands #sustainability #energyfuture #australia #evoegy

Neoen has revised its Tchelery Wind Project In NSW, reducing the number of turbines while adding a battery energy storage system (BESS). This highlights a growing trend of developers adapting projects based on community and environmental feedback, ensuring long-term sustainability and public support. The project will now feature 74 turbines instead of 120, with a capacity of 577MW rather than 800MW. At the same time, Neoen is adding a 350MW/700MWh or 200MW/800MWh BESS, ensuring the energy generated does not go to waste and can be deployed when needed. Tchelery is in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone and will either connect to existing 200kV lines or, if all goes according to plan, the new 330kV Project Connect transmission line. One of the biggest hurdles is transport. These are some of the largest turbines ever installed in Australia and moving them will not be simple. The 100-meter-long blades will be shipped via the Port of Newcastle, but at least 15 points along the road need upgrades—wider roads, tree removals, and even temporarily dismantling signage. That is all before considering how the tower sections, some of the largest ever used here, will take up two lanes of traffic and require police escorts. Developers are shifting focus from sheer capacity to smart, adaptable designs that balance efficiency with sustainability. Battery storage is becoming a non-negotiable, it is essential for bridging the gap between generation and demand. This shift proves that bigger is not always better; what truly matters is delivering reliable, consistent energy. #renewableenergy #windfarm #turbines #communityfeedback #environment #australia #REZ #batterystorage #evoegy

We were honoured to take part in Aon’s Renewable Energy Insights Forum 2025, contributing to the ‘How to Manage End of Life / Obsolete Technology’ session. A huge thank you to Patrick Behan and the entire team at Aon for organising such a well-structured and insightful event. The discussion on risk identification and mitigation strategies for ageing renewable assets was incredibly engaging, with more questions from the audience than we could address on the day — a testament to the importance of this topic in today’s evolving energy landscape. The event was expertly put together, bringing together technical and insurance perspectives to help asset owners navigate the complexities of end-of-life infrastructure. We truly appreciate the opportunity to share our insights and collaborate with industry peers. #RenewableEnergy #AssetManagement #RiskMitigation #Insurance #EnergyForum #InsightsForum

Independent modelling from the Clean Energy Council highlights a stark reality. If Australia slows the rollout of renewables, household energy bills could climb by 30 percent, and small businesses will face a 41 percent increase by 2030. Research from Jacobs compares two futures, one in which Australia meets its 82 percent renewable energy target by 2030 and another in which progress stalls in favour of coal, gas, and waiting on nuclear. The results show sticking with coal and expensive gas will drive prices up, costing households $449 and small businesses $877 more annually. With 90 per cent of Australia’s coal plants set to retire by 2035, keeping them running is a costly risk. Ageing infrastructure means higher prices and grid instability. Instead, the report confirms that renewables such as wind, solar, pumped hydro, and battery storage offer the cheapest and most reliable path forward. For the wind industry, this reinforces the need to expand wind power to replace unreliable coal, cut costs, and ensure grid resilience. If Australia stays on track, gas-fired electricity costs will be $770 million in 2030, but if renewables are delayed, that figure could soar to $2.3–$3 billion. With 75 per cent of Australians listing the cost of living as a top election priority, now is the time to double down on renewables. The sooner we act, the better for everyone. #renewableenergy #sustainability #energytransition #australia #energybills #windpower #solar #pumpedhydro #evoegy

After months of uncertainty, the 1.4 GW Bungaban Wind Project, owned by Windlab, is back in action! This is a huge milestone for Queensland’s renewable energy sector and a lifeline for major industrial players like Rio Tinto, which locked in Australia’s biggest power purchase agreement to supply its smelter and refinery. Without access to affordable renewables, these facilities faced closure by the end of the decade. Earlier this year, the new LNP government put the brakes on four major wind projects, citing the need for a stricter planning review. While they have distanced themselves from Labour’s renewable targets (50% by 2030, 80% by 2035), Queensland’s potential for wind energy is undeniable. Strong night-time winds make large-scale projects like Bungaban a game changer for energy security and decarbonisation. The project can move forward now that the government is satisfied that Bungaban met its consultation requirements. Meanwhile, other wind farms, including RWE’s 1.1 GW Theodore Wind Project and Windlab’s 1.4 GW Wongalee Wind Project, are on hold until further evidence of community engagement is provided. There is still work to be done, but this decision demonstrates that renewable energy projects can overcome political and regulatory obstacles. Increased wind power results in a cleaner grid, reduced industrial emissions, and a more robust future for Queensland’s economy. #windenergy #renewables #queensland #energytransition #windfarm #sustainability #decarbonisation #communityengagement #evoegy

What if, instead of tearing down old wind farms, we gave them a second chance? That is exactly what is happening at Huxley Hill, Australia’s oldest continuously operating wind farm. Instead of decommissioning, Hydro Tasmania is refurbishing its aging turbines, proving that old does not mean obsolete. It is a bold decision, but one that makes sense. The $11.5 million investment will extend the wind farms’ life by at least 15 years, restoring vital renewable energy capacity to King Island. The two largest turbines alone already replace 640,000 litres of diesel per year, and once the upgrades are complete, including a new battery system, diesel savings could reach up to 1.8 million litres annually. Jesse Clark, Hydro Tasmania’s executive general manager of assets and infrastructure, sums it up perfectly: “The repowering will provide an important example of how to effectively maintain and refurbish ageing wind farms to reduce waste and cost.” And with more wind farms approaching the end of their lifespans, this could be the start of a much bigger trend. There is plenty of debate about the future of wind energy, and this project highlights a massive opportunity. Refurbishment could be a game changer, prolonging clean energy production, cutting costs, and making the sector even more sustainable. #windpower #renewableenergy #sustainability #australia #energyinnovation #refurbishment #investment #evoegy

Dutch-based Fugro has been awarded a key contract to conduct soil investigations for Parkwind’s Blue Mackerel offshore wind farm. Using its specialist vessel, Fugro Mariner, the company will collect and analyse seabed soil samples to support the project’s structural integrity and reduce construction risks. Anil Chanana, Country Head for Parkwind Australia, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to get to the next stage of site characterisation on our Blue Mackerel flagship project in Australia, and are pleased that Fugro will be collaborating with us to undertake this important geotechnical survey.” The project recently received a boost with approval from the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator, allowing feasibility studies, including geotechnical investigations, to move ahead. With a 1 GW target by 2032, Blue Mackerel aims to power over 500,000 Victorian homes. This contract follows Furgo’s geotechnical work on Star of the South, Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project. When fully developed, it could generate enough power for 1.2 million homes. With growing investment and global expertise, Australia’s offshore wind industry is accelerating. Victoria’s 9 GW target is within reach, and offshore wind is set to be a breakthrough for Australia. #offshorewind #renewableenergy #australia #sustainability #windpower #energytransition #soilinvestigations #furgo #bluemackerel #evoegy

As reported by Renewables Now Ltd, the federal government has approved three major wind projects in New South Wales, adding a combined 2.4 GW of capacity. This expansion will power hundreds of homes and reduce carbon emissions by 6.5 million tonnes annually, solidifying the country’s push to become a renewable energy leader. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek hailed the approvals as a “huge milestone” for Australia’s energy transition. The projects include Tilt Renewables 1,332 MW Liverpool Range Wind Farm and Squadron Energy's 700 MW Spicers Creek Wind Farm. Each will play a vital role in scaling up wind power capacity and replacing fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives. The Liverpool Range Wind Farm, a $2 billion investment, will be built in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). Originally designed with 267 turbines, the project has been optimised to use fewer but more powerful turbines, ensuring greater efficiency. Meanwhile, Squadron Energy’s Spicers Creek Wind Farm will consist of 117 GE Vernova turbines, generating sufficient electricity to power over 395,000 homes. Finally, ENGIE Australia’s Hills of Gold Wind Farm, located near Hanging Rock and Nundle, will feature up to 62 turbines, delivering clean energy to 163,000 households. These projects represent exactly the kind of large-scale investment Australia needs to stay on track for its clean energy targets. More renewables mean lower emissions, greater energy security, and a boost for regional economies. While approvals are an important step, the focus now must shift to ensuring fast and efficient project delivery. #renewableenergy #sustainability #australia #windfarm #turbines #cleanenergy #investment #emissions #economy #evoegy