The “Glenellen” complex represents the company’s largest photovoltaic solar plants deployment in Australia to date, delivering 260 MW of generation capacity. Situated across approximately 300 hectares in New South Wales, the facility incorporates nearly 373,000 solar modules and is designed to produce approximately 450 gigawatt-hours (GWh/year) annually. This output provides sufficient energy to meet the consumption requirements of more than 80,000 households while preventing the atmospheric release of roughly 385,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually. The installation employs an agrivoltaic model, integrating renewable energy generation with agricultural operations a configuration that has maintained active livestock grazing on the site throughout the operational phase.

The “Bundaberg” facility marks Naturgy’s inaugural solar venture in Queensland, equipped with a 96 MW capacity. The installation houses more than 162,000 solar modules and will generate approximately 200 GWh/year, meeting the annual energy needs of roughly 36,000 residences while preventing approximately 170,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. Both installations have secured long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) that provide revenue certainty and operational stability for the projects. The company emphasized that Naturgy solar expansion Australia through these developments demonstrates its strategic commitment to renewable energy deployment within priority markets.

Naturgy maintains a comprehensive renewable energy presence across Australia following more than 15 years of continuous operations in the nation. The organization currently operates 1.3 GW of installed capacity, supervises 0.5 GW under active construction, and maintains a development portfolio of 2 GW across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Queensland. The company characterized Australia as a particularly attractive jurisdiction for renewable energy development, citing regulatory consistency, substantial growth opportunities, and established commitments to the energy transition. GPG, structured as a 75% Naturgy-controlled subsidiary with Kuwait Investment Authority maintaining 25% ownership, oversees total generation capacity exceeding 5.27 GW distributed across eight countries globally.

While commercially viable solid-state upconverters have been a primary focus for the industry, they have historically struggled with efficiency losses. The team from the UNSW science faculty navigated this barrier by fabricating a liquid triplet fusion medium that behaves as a solid on excitonic timescales. This liquid triplet fusion medium fills the pores of an alumina nano-scaffold equipped with sensitiser molecules, successfully preventing the back transfer of energy that typically plagues solid-state systems.

Study lead author and UNSW researcher Dr. Thilini Ishwara noted that this method allowed the system to achieve photon conversion efficiencies of 8.2 percent, ranking among the strongest reported figures for this specific architecture.

“This work demonstrates a big step forward,” Dr. Ishwara stated. “Achieving high efficiencies in films is difficult in these ultrathin molecular systems – good light absorption is needed and energy loss needs to be minimised.”

For industry executives evaluating emerging power and manufacturing capabilities, this innovation provides clear operational pathways. Operating effectively within a solid-state structure, the system is fully compatible with standard semiconductor manufacturing. This solid-state structure significantly increases its commercial viability compared to earlier liquid-based approaches.

Consequently, large-scale facilities can recover unutilized light, improving the output of conventional silicon cells where low-energy light previously passed through unused. Beyond solar energy, the UNSW researchers emphasized that the nanoscale light upconversion approach may also be relevant to infrared sensing, photocatalysis, optical communications, and next-generation additive manufacturing technologies like volumetric 3D printing. Advancements in infrared sensing and precision 3D printing remain highly relevant for industry executives tracking future sensing and fabrication integration.

Dr. Ishwara confirmed the team is keen to commercialize the technology. The detailed research findings, exploring how structural exciton localization drives efficient solid-state sensitized triplet fusion upconversion, are published in Nature Photonics.

Among the 19 successful bids, eight renewable energy projects integrate utility-scale generation with battery energy storage systems. These hybrid configurations will contribute more than 2.0 GW and 7.9 GWh of storage to the electrical grid. The remaining successful bids comprised a mix of solar and hybrid facilities located throughout New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania.

Wind developments represented a substantial portion of the newly awarded generation capacity. In New South Wales, authorized infrastructure includes the 346 MW Baldon Wind Farm, which features a 132 MWh battery energy storage component, alongside the 300 MW Bullawah Wind Farm Stage 1 and the 1,498 MW Yanco Delta Wind Farm.

Queensland’s approved infrastructure encompasses the 228 MW Banana Range Wind Farm, the 1,150 MW Bungaban Wind Energy Project equipped with a 1,400 MWh battery facility, and the 1,022 MW Theodore Wind Farm.

Further capacity allocations across the remaining states include:

• Tasmania: The 341 MW Cellars Hill Wind Farm.
• South Australia: The 289 MW Whyte Yarcowie Wind Farm.
• Victoria: The 338 MW Willatook Wind Farm and the 72 MW Woolsthorpe Wind Farm.

The federal pipeline continues with upcoming rounds scheduled for the National Electricity Market. Tender 9, focusing specifically on National Electricity Market Generation, opens on 25 May with an indicative target of 5 GW. Bid submissions for this round will strictly close on 20 July 2026.

Simultaneously, the final outcomes for Tender 8, addressing dispatchable infrastructure, are projected for release in June 2026. The subsequent procurement phase under the Capacity Investment Scheme, identified as Tender 10 for dispatchable capacity, is also scheduled to launch in June 2026.

Streamlining Consenting and Grid Integration

A central objective of this government-led review is to harmonize the national building codes with local bylaws to create a more consistent permitting landscape. Currently, the industry faces significant hurdles due to varying standards for building consents, electrical certifications, and heritage protections. These disparities frequently result in administrative delays that ultimately increase costs for the end user. Furthermore, the review is expected to assess the technical barriers associated with grid connection, as many commercial-scale projects face extended approval timelines from local network operators. By evaluating these bottlenecks, the state intends to align its policy framework with the economic affordability of modern photovoltaic technology.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The economic paradox within the local energy sector remains a primary driver for this policy shift. While hardware costs have decreased globally, soft costs including permitting and installation labor remain disproportionately high in New Zealand. Small-to-medium installation firms currently struggle to standardize their operations due to the necessity of navigating dozens of distinct council rulebooks. By potentially establishing national standards that override local discretion for standard projects, the government seeks to improve operational efficiency across the sector. This review, which will involve consultation with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and various industry representatives, aims to foster a more predictable environment for solar adoption, ultimately supporting national goals for energy security and long-term sustainability. The government has prioritized this assessment to ensure that solar installation regulations do not serve as an artificial deterrent to the deployment of cost-effective, decentralized energy solutions.

As per the deal, GE Vernova is going to offer 42 onshore wind turbines, each having a capacity of 6.1 megawatts and also a hub height of 158 metres. The agreement also goes on to cover turbine installation along with a five-year full-service operation as well as a maintenance contract, confirmed the company.

The order to supply wind turbines for the farm, apparently was booked in Q4 of 2025 and follows a past contract between both the companies when it comes to the Boulder Creek Wind Farm in Queensland from Aula Energy, as per GE Vernova.

Carmody’s Hill wind farm is situated around 7 kilometers east of Georgetown in the Mid-North region of South Australia. The grid approval when it comes to the project was secured almost nine months post the application was submitted.

The chief commercial officer with onshore wind business in international markets for GE Vernova, Gilan Sabatier, remarked that they are indeed delighted to go ahead and build on their successful collaboration with Aula Energy in order to bring yet another high-quality wind project to Australia.

According to Sabatier, the deployment of the 6-megawatt-class turbine platform of the company at scale can indeed enable simplifying contracting, accelerate the grid approvals, and enhance dependability throughout the wind fleets.

Chad Hymas, chief executive of Aula Energy, said that the company indeed went ahead and welcomed this renewed partnership. He added that they are pleased to be collaborating yet again with GE Vernova in order to roll out Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm.

As per GE Vernova, its 6-megawatt-class platform has gone on to contribute to shorter contract negotiations as well as faster grid approval processes throughout many Australian states.

Project Maryvale is a next-generation hybrid renewable energy power plant that combines a 243 MWp solar installation with a 172 MW/409 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). Once operational, the facility is expected to provide up to 172 MW of dispatchable clean electricity, sufficient to power approximately 82,000 homes each year, while reducing up to 615,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. During peak construction, the project is projected to create up to 360 jobs and support opportunities throughout the regional supply chain.

“Project Maryvale represents our commitment to accelerating Australia’s energy transition with reliable, dispatchable renewable energy,” said Claire Elkin, Head of Gentari Australia. “As one of the first large-scale DC-coupled solar and storage projects in the country it embodies our ambition to deliver clean energy solutions at scale while supporting grid resilience.”

Secured under NSW’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap

The project secured a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. Managed by ASL as NSW Consumer Trustee, the LTESA offers financial security through an energy price floor option, lowering project risk and enabling financing.

Positioned strategically within the NSW Government’s priority location for accelerated development of renewable energy, the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), the site is advantaged by quality solar resources and infrastructure to support large-scale generation.

Maximising the Value of Green Energy

The Maryvale Solar & Energy Storage system will make the grid more efficient and stable by providing dispatchable renewable power, smoothing its solar output, and providing power during peak demand periods. The system is also capable of offering necessary ancillary services that are important for ensuring grid reliability, making the BESS a strategic resource for energy supply and grid performance.

Leading Deployment of DC-Coupled Hybrid Solutions

Project Maryvale is one of Australia’s largest DC-coupled solar and battery hybrid projects under development. By enabling solar power to charge the BESS directly, the DC-coupled design facilitates smoother, scheduled delivery of electricity and also optimises the efficiency of renewable energy integration.

Social Impact and Local Engagement

Gentari is committed to delivering long-term value to the local Maryvale community. Initiatives involve creating a community benefit fund, investing in workforce and industry training, and investing in regional infrastructure and housing projects in partnership with local authorities.

Reaching out to First Nations communities, local firms, educational institutions, and government partners strives to achieve inclusive engagement and develop partnerships based on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit.

Project Maryvale adds to Gentari’s Australian clean energy portfolio, which now totals 814 MW of solar and solar hybrid projects installed or under construction nationwide. PCL Construction’s Solar Division is the EPC contractor, and PV modules and the BESS system are purchased directly from Tier 1 suppliers: Trinasolar for solar modules and Contemporary Amperex Technology Australia Pty Ltd for BESS. Notice to Proceed was issued in January 2025, and the construction is in progress.

Two massive solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Australia will get funding from a long-term portfolio financing deal that European Energy has closed on, totalling more than €70 million (AUS$130 million).

Australian solar PV projects financing is crucial for the nation’s energy shift, as demonstrated by two solar parks, one in Victoria and the other in New South Wales—the Mulwala Solar Park with 31 MW and 106 MW, respectively—both supported by the finance contract. In the third quarter of 2025, construction is expected to begin on the Mulwala project, further highlighting the importance of Australian solar PV projects financing.

The National Electricity Market (NEM) will get 137 MW of renewable energy from these projects, assisting Australia in its efforts to eliminate carbon emissions from its electrical sector and underscoring the growing significance of Australian solar PV projects financing in the country’s transition to sustainable energy.

Contributions were received by the project from Westpac Banking Corp., Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt am Main, and DZ BANK AG. Both financial institutions are well-versed in lending to local renewable energy initiatives.

June 6, 2025, was the date of the financial shutdown.

Australia is a key market for European Energy, and we are pleased to strengthen our development activities with the support of established financial partners,” said Catriona McLeod, Country Manager for Australia for European Energy.

This financing enables us to deliver two high-quality assets that will contribute meaningfully to the energy transition and support the integration of renewables into the national grid.

Solar farms at Mulwala and Lancaster are projected to provide enough clean energy to power over 30,000 Australian households for a whole year while also reducing emissions of carbon dioxide. During the building phase, the projects are anticipated to boost local supply chain activity and create more employment.

European Energy is putting a lot of effort into wind, solar, and storage projects in Australia in order to increase its share of the renewable energy market there. The abundance of solar resources, robust grid infrastructure, and steadily improving regulatory climate in Australia give the country high hopes for the future of the renewable energy industry, according to the firm.

As we continue to grow our international portfolio, transactions like this demonstrate our ability to execute bankable, investment-grade renewable energy projects across Australia, added Jens Peter Zink, Deputy CEO of European Energy.

Total project value: $1,124,331

This project produced detailed scientific information on the effects small hydro has on native fish species, which could be used to improve the design and operation of small hydro systems.

Lead organisation: Waratah Power Pty Ltd

Project partners: Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW), NSW Department of Primary Industries, Aquatic Ecosystems (NSW), UNSW Manly Hydraulics Lab

Location: North Bondi and various sites across NSW, NSW

Technology: Hydropower

ARENA programme: Emerging Renewables Programme

Start date: April 2012

Finish date: 30 May 2014

Need

Large scale hydropower projects already produce the majority of Australia’s renewable energy, but much of the potential expansion of hydropower production lies in the application of small hydropower technologies .

Nationally, there are thousands of irrigation structures and weirs that could be retrofitted to enable small hydropower production for clean electricity production. Globally, small hydropower is growing at a significant rate, with the largest untapped market being on Australia’s doorstep in Asia.

It is important that any small hydro development is progressed with minimal impact on fish and other aquatic fauna. It is understood that some species of fish are susceptible to injury and mortality during downstream migration, but presently there is no information available to help in the sustainable design of small hydro facilities in Australia.

Project innovation

Through a series of laboratory and field trials, the project produced detailed scientific information on the effects small hydro has on native fish species, which could be used to improve the design and operation of small hydro systems.

The establishment of biodesign criteria, based on aquatic species response, will also assist regulatory decision-making as well as guide the design of small hydro technologies and projects in Australia and internationally.

Benefit

Availability of scientific data which can guide the development of fish-friendly small hydropower projects, and enable technologies to be applied at a much wider range of sites with confidence that any potential impacts on fisheries can be reduced.

Enhancing Australia’s expertise in hydropower development and operation, with increased leadership in sustainable hydropower design will facilitate Australia’s hydropower community to engage in projects throughout the world.

Already there has been strong interest in this project from the research community in the United States, Indonesia and the Mekong. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is now funding an extension of the program with application to Asia’s Mekong River, focussing on local species and conditions.

The order is the second for this system received by MHI, as well as the first system delivered to Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES). The latest system enables higher gas pressure supply to the engines for enhancement of gas fuelled performance.

With the new system, LNG is pressurized and delivered by liquid pump. The system features a compact configuration and low power consumption. The adoption of a hydraulic driven pump system eliminates the need for a speed reduction mechanism, facilitates variable speed adjustment, and also enables installation in ships where space is limited.

The gas supply system consists primarily of four units: a unit that produces compressed natural gas (CNG) by raising the LNG’s pressure and then heating the gas to normal temperature according to engine load fluctuations; a hydraulic unit that serves as the power source; a CNG bottle unit to buffer fluctuations in CNG pressure; and a gas combustion unit that safely disposes of low-pressure off-gas and uses the waste heat as a heat source. Commercial viability of this system was achieved leveraging MHI’s expertise in cryogenics1 cultivated through its many years of construction of LNG carriers, its broad technological base, and its achievements in research and development.

In recent years vigorous calls are being heard in the global marine transport industry to take steps to reduce energy consumption and protect the global environment, and increasingly tight restrictions are being imposed on emissions not only of SOx and NOx but also CO2. Against this backdrop, attention today is focusing on LNG fuel as one of important solutions enabling significant reductions in gas emissions. In the case of ships that navigate in the Emission Control Areas (ECA)2 in particular, changing fuel from heavy oil to LNG enables compliance with those areas’ stringent SOx emission requirements. Additionally, with the development of new natural gas resources such as shale gas, economic benefits can be anticipated from LNG as a marine fuel that can be procured at low cost and in adequate supplies.

Going forward, MHI will focus on the marketing of the high-pressure gas supply system, targeting the further expansion of its businesses in shipbuilding and marine engineering.

Notes

1. Cryogenics refers to technologies handling LNG, liquid nitrogen and other liquefied gases at temperatures ranging from -160degC to -200degC.

2. ECAs are waters in which upper limits have been set on permissible emissions of SOx and NOx. Vessels navigating in such areas are required to comply with stricter emissions requirements. Currently four ECAs have been designated: the Baltic Sea ECA, North Sea ECA, North American ECA (including most of the U.S. and Canadian coasts), and the U.S. Caribbean ECA.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (TSE: 7011, ‘MHI’), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers. MHI’s diverse lineup of products and services encompasses shipbuilding, power plants, chemical plants, environmental equipment, steel structures, industrial and general machinery, aircraft, space rocketry and air-conditioning systems. For more information, please visit the MHI website at www.mhi.co.jp.

Contact:

Hideo Ikuno
h.ikuno@daiya-pr.co.jp 
+81-3-6716-5277

About PetroFrontier Corp.

PetroFrontier is an international oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, acquisition and development of both conventional and unconventional onshore petroleum assets in Australia’s Southern Georgina Basin. Founded in 2009, PetroFrontier is one of the first companies to undertake onshore exploration in the Southern Georgina Basin in Australia’sNorthern Territory. PetroFrontier’s head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. PetroFrontier’s common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “PFC”.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE PetroFrontier Corp.