States help wind energy industry 'turn a corner'

The large scale renewable energy market in Australia appears to have taken off again, finally bringing to an end the three year investment drought that was the main legacy to the industry of the Abbott government. But the industry has state governments to thank, not the feds.

On Thursday, the 100MW stage one of the Hornsdale wind farm in South Australia was switched on for the first time in an “energisation ceremony” hosted by its French and German builders, Neoen and Siemens.

The French-based Neoen has a rapidly growing portfolio of wind and solar projects in the country, courtesy of its decision to enter the local market in 2012, and riding through the investment drought that followed.

Global CEO Xavier Barbaro said Australia was now becoming a “great place” to invest.

Read Giles Parkinson’s story on RenewEconomy - “Australia wind energy industry turns a corner –thanks to states.”