ACEN Australia secures approval for 900MW Robbins Island Wind Project

Ayala-led ACEN Corp.’s Australian unit has secured Federal Government approval for its AUD$3-billion 900-megawatt Robbins Island Wind Project, which is set to generate power for up to 500,000 homes, after over eight years of assessment.

In a regulatory filing to the local bourse, ACEN said the approval comes after over eight years of assessment by all levels of government, including detailed studies of Robbins Islands natural values.

“The decision shows that large, complex projects can be delivered responsibly, balancing overall impacts and conserving biodiversity, with the need for clean energy to address climate change,” ACEN Australia managing director David Pollington said.

“This is particularly important for Victoria, which will lose half of its coal generation by 2035, making investment in Marinus Link and the North West Transmission Developments a smart and timely move,” he added.

The project is set to create up to 400 construction jobs, along with AUD$27-million worth of community benefits for the Circular Head region, in line with Tasmania’s goal to double clean energy production by 2040.

“This project expands our footbring beyond New South Wales, and allows us to serve customers in Tasmania and Victoria. We are very excited by this achievement, and appreciative of all the stakeholders that have played a part in its successful outcome,” ACEN Australia executive chairman Jose Maria Zabala said.

ACEN Australia currently has two solar farms — the 521 megawatts direct current (MWdc) New England Solar, and the 520 MWdc Stubbo Solar, both located in New South Wales.

It is also constructing its first battery project in the country — the New England Battery with 400 megawatt-hour (MWh) — scheduled to be operational before the end of 2026.

Aside from Australia, ACEN also has presence in Vietnam, India, and Lao PDR, along with strategic investments in Indonesia and other markets.

The company in June broke fround on two major renewable energy projects in India, that are expected to generate a combined 1,158 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually. — BAP, GMA Integrated News