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Green technology

Renewable Energy Giant Neoen Gifts Land for New National Park

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a groundbreaking move, French renewable energy company Neoen has gifted a precious 147-hectare site near Burra in northern South Australia to the state government, creating a new national park. The land, known as Worlds End Gorge, has been a privately held secret for decades, cared for by a local farming family. The gorge, a rare permanent stream in the driest state on the driest continent, has been a significant site for the Ngadjuri traditional owners for thousands of years, providing a healing space for them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Neoen's gift of Worlds End Gorge to the South Australian government marks a significant first for the renewable energy industry, using an offset to create a national park instead of a traditional mitigation strategy.
  • The new national park, jointly managed by the state and traditional owners, will be used for camping, recreation, and conservation, protecting the site's unique ecosystem and cultural significance.
  • The Goyder project, Neoen's massive renewable energy development, will generate over 1,000 megawatts of wind power, 600MW of solar generation, and 900MW of battery storage capacity, making it one of the biggest renewable energy developments in the world.
  • The first stage of the Goyder project, a 412MW wind farm, is currently under construction, consisting of 75 turbines.
  • The South Australian government has set a target of an 82% renewable energy mix by 2030, with Acting Premier Susan Close emphasizing the importance of developers meeting environmental standards.
  • Neoen's CEO, Louis de Sambucy, acknowledges the industry could do more to win over communities affected by developments, with the Goyder project serving as a template for future projects.
  • Traditional owner Carlo Barney Sansbury sees the national park as a healing space not just for the Ngadjuri people, but for the country as a whole.

Statistics:

  • Worlds End Gorge covers 147 hectares of land.
  • The Goyder project will generate 1,000 megawatts of wind power.
  • The project will also have 600MW of solar generation and 900MW of battery storage capacity.
  • The first stage of the Goyder project will consist of 75 turbines.
  • South Australia aims to achieve an 82% renewable energy mix by 2030.
  • The Australian government has established the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, chaired by Andrew Dyer, to review developments and provide recommendations.

Sources:

  • Neoen's state leader in South Australia and Tasmania, Tom Jenkins
  • National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia Director, Mike Williams
  • Acting South Australian Premier Susan Close
  • Neoen Australia Chief Executive, Louis de Sambucy
  • Ngadjuri man Carlo Barney Sansbury
  • The Australian government's Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner report
  • The South Australian government's renewable energy targets

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