Aula Energy and RES to Develop Argoon Wind Farm in Australia

Demonstrating a shared commitment to the development of renewable energy projects in Australia, global renewable energy firm RES and Aula Energy have entered into an agreement to further develop the $612 MW Argoon Wind Farm in New South Wales (NSW) on Friday.

Argoon Wind Farm will be located approximately 20 km north of Jerilderie and 30 km southwest of Coleambally, situated within the NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

Following initial feasibility assessments in 2022, RES has been progressing the development of the Argoon Wind Farm which once completed, has the potential to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 430,000 NSW homes per year.

Aula Energy was established by Macquarie Asset Management in 2023 as an Australian-headquartered renewable energy business to originate, develop, construct and operate renewable projects.

This partnership between Aula Energy and RES builds on the effective collaboration demonstrated during the development of the Murra Warra Wind Farm projects in Victoria, where RES and Macquarie’s expertise and commitment resulted in a successful large-scale wind energy solution, completed in 2022.

As Aula Energy and RES progress the development of the Argoon Wind Farm, they aim to deliver impactful results that will enhance energy security, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth in the region.

The project will deliver positive legacy outcomes for the local community and region during construction and operation, with community benefits sharing commitments totalling over $27.37 million for the 612 MW project over the 30-year life of the project.

RES is looking to establish a Riverina Renewables Services Centre as a part of this project development. The Centre will comprise an operations and maintenance services hub coupled with an education and training facility.

This will create a space for locally recruited technicians and apprentices and offer education and work experience opportunities for locals ensuring a positive legacy for the region as a direct result of the Project.

Abundant Resources

The Global Wind Energy Council estimates Australia has the potential to generate up to 5,000 GW of electricity from offshore wind using a combination of fixed and floating infrastructure to 2 GW for a project, and could generate more electricity per megawatt of capacity.

Even a new research has found that Australia has a very high abundance of offshore wind resources close to existing transmission grids. More than 2,000 GW could be potentially installed within 100 km of the current substations, which excludes the environmental restrictions and low wind areas.

Besides NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and West Australia are ideal sites to locate new wind farms as Australia within 100 km of the current substations, which excludes the environmental restrictions and low wind areas. It also located more critical sites for energy generation in Newcastle, Gippsland and Gladstone where there are strong offshore winds.

There are currently more than ten offshore wind projects sitting in the pipeline waiting for approval in Australia.