Akuo freezes 132-MW Aussie wind project amid COVID-19 uncertainty

France-based Akuo Energy has suspended the development of its 132-MW Granite Hills wind project in New South Wales, Australia, due to the shaken environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The French renewable power producer said in a community newsletter it is “currently not actively pursuing” the project as a consequence of the increased business uncertainty created by the coronavirus spread. It noted that the virus crisis, which is now having a second wave throughout Europe, has wreaked havoc on most, if not all, industries at its home country and brought “extreme financial pressures” on international organisations.

“Akuo Energy is headquartered in France, where the pandemic has been particularly severe and as a result impacted global operations,” the company said.

The New South Wales Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) has been notified about Akuo’s decision.

The Granite Hills wind farm is planned to be located near Nimmitabel in the southern part of the state, consisting of 23 turbines. When operational, it will be able to generate electricity to cover the consumption of around 50,000 medium- to high-energy use households.

The project, originally planned with 32 turbines, is considered to be a state significant development.

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