In Australia’s sun-drenched expanses, a new gold rush is underway – one that harvests energy from the sky.
At the forefront stands Green Gold Energy, an Adelaide firm that has just secured development approvals for a groundbreaking project in South Australia.
The project combines a 110 megawatts (MW) solar farm with a 91.7 megawatts-hour (MWh) DC-coupled battery energy storage system.
This hybrid facility promises to power over 47,000 homes annually while slashing carbon emissions by a staggering 167,000 tonnes per year – equivalent to removing more than 60,000 cars from our roads.
And that’s just part of Green Gold Energy’s renewable achievements, as this industry leader has been turning sunlight into power and profit since 2017.
The firm specialises in delivering comprehensive “Solar+” solutions, encompassing development, engineering, construction, and operational expertise across four of Australia’s most populous states: South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
This turnkey approach streamlines project delivery and reduces risk for investors in the burgeoning solar energy sector.
In an exclusive interview with ecogeneration, Green Gold Energy’s Managing Director John Huang shared the company’s journey.
“Since Green Gold Energy’s inception in 2017, one of the most significant milestones was connecting the first 1MW to the South Australian distribution network within our first year.
Our team’s efficient collaboration and rapid response have been crucial factors in our fast-paced growth from the very beginning to the present day,” Huang said.
This early success set the tone for the company’s rapid ascension in the renewable energy sector.
The ability to deliver results quickly and efficiently has become a hallmark of Green Gold Energy’s operations, enabling them to build trust and credibility in a highly competitive market.
The Solar+ approach
The company’s competitive edge lies in its comprehensive approach to renewable energy solutions, which they term “Solar+”.
Green Gold Energy offers a vertically integrated service model that spans the entire project lifecycle, from initial consulting and development to engineering, procurement, construction, and ongoing operation and maintenance.
Huang said this approach has multiple benefits, which in Australia its investors usually need to engage multiple service providers for various aspects.
“This includes things such as development, engineering, construction, maintenance, and operation. By offering a comprehensive range of services, we help investors save costs and accelerate their investment processes,” he said.
“Traditional solar projects focus on solar as a product, whereas our ‘Solar+’ approach emphasises innovation in solar energy applications.
“Each application involves technical development and implementation. The benefit of this approach is that it broadens the scope of new energy applications.”
This innovative approach allows Green Gold Energy to offer solutions that go beyond traditional solar installations, addressing the evolving needs of the renewable energy sector and providing added value to their clients.
A prolific developer
The firm has successfully completed over 20 solar farms across Australia, with numerous others in various stages of development.
According to Huang, key members of Green Gold Energy have decades of experience in the renewable energy industry, and this translates into tangible benefits for clients.
“Our team members are well-versed in supply chain management, which helps reduce EPC costs for our projects. Additionally, our in-house engineering and construction capabilities allow us to better control both financing and project timelines,” he said.
The company’s noteworthy projects include the 6.5MW Mannum installation with a 5.5 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage system in South Australia, the 5.18MW Elwomple Solar & BESS project, also featuring a 5.5MWh storage capacity, and the 6.5MW Kerta solar farm.
The Mannum project, located in South Australia, is one of the remarkable examples of Green Gold Energy’s comprehensive approach to renewable energy solutions.
This large-scale solar project, fully developed and constructed by Green Gold Energy’s in-house teams, showcases the company’s expertise in end-to-end project delivery.
From identifying suitable land to achieving connection and development approvals, Green Gold Energy’s dedicated teams have ensured seamless project execution from the beginning.
More than individual projects
Green Gold Energy is actively shaping Australia’s renewable energy landscape, boasting a substantial development pipeline exceeding 1.2GW of solar capacity and 2.5GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
This forward-looking strategy positions the company as a key player in Australia’s transition towards a more sustainable energy mix. The company has diversified its offerings beyond traditional solar farms to include microgrid systems, hydrogen solutions, electric vehicle charging stations, and renewable-powered data centres.
Huang said an example of the company’s innovative approach it is being able to provide advice and technical support, working closely with suppliers to enhance their products.
“For example, we helped a major energy storage manufacturer improve its inverter control strategies, significantly boosting its systems’ financial performance,” he said.
This commitment to innovation ensures that Green Gold Energy remains at the vanguard of the renewable energy sector, well-equipped to address the evolving demands of a dynamic market.
Certified to excel
The company holds ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
Huang said these certifications distinguish Green Gold Energy from competitors and showcase its commitment to high standards in quality, environmental management, and health and safety.
“ISO 9001:2015 ensures consistent quality and enhances customer satisfaction through standardised processes and continuous improvement. ISO 14001:2015 demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance, minimising environmental impact. ISO 45001:2018 promotes a safe working environment by identifying and mitigating occupational hazards and ensuring team member well-being,” Huang said.
Beyond mere kilowatts
Green Gold Energy’s success hinges on its strategic relationships with different stakeholders, Huang said, adding that these partnerships are crucial for the company’s growth.
“Collaboration with local governments has been instrumental in garnering community support and addressing concerns through public consultations. Similarly, our close ties with network providers have streamlined grid connection processes, significantly reducing project delays,” Huang said.
Despite the company’s expansion across Australia’s diverse states, it faces unique challenges with different network providers and regulatory landscapes.
“Each state presents distinct working cultures and approaches, demanding patience and adaptability from our team,” Huang said.
However, Huang sees opportunities in these challenges.
“These hurdles have opened doors to partnerships with top-tier investors, ultimately strengthening our network and propelling our growth,” he said.
For landowners/investors, Green Gold Energy offers a tailored, integrated solution covering the entire process from initial site identification to project completion and long-term operation.
Landowners can lease or sell their land to Green Gold Energy, especially if it is adjacent to a three-phase powerline, potentially transforming it into a solar farm.
According to the company, it is committed to high-quality and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all national certifications and state regulations. Additionally, it provides various land management measures recommended by experts in vegetation and ecology, striving to accommodate specific requirements for land management and protection.
While for developers, they can partner with Green Gold Energy to benefit from its deep understanding of the local land and communities, along with exceptional relationships with network service providers. As an industry leader with superior local knowledge, the company also promises to share its experiences in dealing with different local government organisations in Australia, to ensure each solar project is developed, constructed, operated, and maintained to the highest standards, delivering efficient and reliable renewable energy solutions.
A vision for future
Green Gold Energy is poised to acquire an energy retailer license, aiming to provide Australians with greener, more affordable, and sustainable energy solutions, Huang said.
“We believe ‘Green is Gold,’ and conversely, ‘Gold is Green.’ At Green Gold Energy, we focus not only on the short-term profit of our projects but also on promoting sustainability for future generations.”
The company is preparing to address emerging trends, with a focus on energy storage and green hydrogen.
“Battery energy storage system technology, especially with newer applications, complements existing solar farms by balancing grid supply and demand. It also offers potential opportunities for green hydrogen production from solar power,” Huang said.
Green Gold Energy also recognises the future challenges of recycling solar panels and battery systems after their 25–30-year lifespan and will work closely with the government and industry leaders to implement material recycling technologies and address these concerns.
“Our mission is to develop green energy, utilise sustainable practices, and instil the green concept in the minds of the next generation,” Huang said. “With innovative ‘Solar+’ solutions, solid projects, and ambitious goals, we will prove that in the land down under, green truly is the new gold.”
For more information, visit greengoldenergy.com.au
This article featured in the August edition of ecogeneration.
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