Solar and wind projects bring business opportunity to the region

DARLING Downs residents will be given the opportunity to hear from representatives from three renewable energy projects in the region this week in Dalby.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise is hosting the Enterprise Evening on November 10.

TSBE general manager – Surat Basin Supply Chain Reagan Parle said TSBE was working within the renewables sector to highlight tendering and contracting opportunities for businesses.

Representatives of solar and wind projects in Oakey, Dalby and Bell will share information and key initiatives of their major developments.

The reach of these projects covers the Local Government Areas of Toowoomba, Western Downs and South Burnett.

Speakers include:
• Daniel Ruoss - General Manager, South East Asia & Australia Region, Energy Group, Canadian Solar (solar farm at Oakey)
• Keith Robertson - Manager Wholesale & Retail Regulatory Policy, Origin Energy (solar farm at Dalby)
• Neil Cooke - Manager Project Development, AGL Energy Ltd (wind farm in Bell, between Kingaroy and Dalby)
• Paul McVeigh - Western Downs Regional Council Mayor

Mr Parle said the TSBE network could benefit from the projects.

“We’re expecting a large cohort of supply chain businesses who would be keen to hear about the new opportunity,” he said.

“The solar and wind projects have aspects of work that are similar to what we’ve conducted before and have strong credentials in civil and construction, earthworks and built infrastructure opportunities.”

A question and answer panel will be held on the night, discussing the effort and contribution of alternate energy leaders to support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The renewable wind industry has a $2.5B Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF) which will underpin investment in the sector.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency have ARENA funding to develop projects expected to advance renewable energy technologies towards commercial reality.

“This is where the government comes in and these projects have responded to an opportunity and stimulus to develop their projects.”

At the Enterprise Evening, expect an update on supplier information, including pre-qualification requirements, contracting preferences and local supplier engagement processes for the audience.

“Renewably energy is a different stream in the region and this is a sector that many are not familiar with. There is growing and emerging interest for Queensland around renewables.”

“TSBE is very excited to host and hear from the industry leaders who are championing the renewables sector in the region.”

The networking event is on at Dalby Leagues Club, Orpen St from 5.30pm-8.30pm with members and non-members welcome. RSVP is compulsory.

Tickets are $55 for members and $95 for non-members.

The Enterprise Evening is sponsored by Airnorth who start offering flights out of Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport to Townsville from November 28.