Neoen is one of the world’s leading independent producers of exclusively renewable energy.

Neoen has solar, wind and storage capacity operating or under construction all over the world. Australia is its largest market.

Neoen Australia’s flagship assets include 2 of the world’s largest batteries:

• Hornsdale Power Reserve
• Victorian Big Battery

Canberra’s leadership in climate action has gained global attention. So much so that it’s earned a profile as one of the world’s most sustainable cities. This progressive attitude is what attracted Neoen, world-leading producers of exclusively renewable energy, to move into the region. 

‘Neoen is a company that values audacity,’ says Megan Ward from Neoen. ‘We’ve always had a long-term vision and view on the market.’ 

It started with a reverse auction, where the ACT Government invited companies to bid for establishing a wind energy project. Neoen won with their proposal to help power the ACT’s transition to 100% renewable energy.

Part of this agreement included setting up a presence in the ACT, which Neoen was glad to take, knowing the partnership potential in Canberra. 

‘The institutions here are very open to partnerships and collaborations,’ says Megan. 

‘You can grow and develop partnerships with research, training and government. There’s no better place to do it. And you’ll be absolutely welcome. Canberra’s hungry for investors on the edge and pushing it.’

So a tiny team of 2 Neoen members moved into an office placed within the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT). Their job was to develop new projects and grow asset management and operations, remotely managing the Hornsdale Windfarm through Canberra. 

By October 2019, stage 3 of the wind farm was done. It was the tenth renewable generator to power the ACT, and the final part of the puzzle to help the ACT Government reach its target.

The ACT is now powered by 100% renewable electricity, generated by wind and photovoltaic power. And as Asia Pacific’s most progressive territory in moving towards a low-carbon economy,  the ACT has attracted more than $2 billion in investment into sustainable energy.

Come for the work, stay for the lifestyle

Neoen’s growth has only accelerated from there, continuing to add people and functions to its Canberra base. It’s easy to attract staff when you can offer career opportunities next to a desirable lifestyle.

Despite being located in the city centre, clean air, mountain views and an easy commute to work are the everyday experience for staff in the Canberra Neoen office.

‘We come from all over the place to be in a job because we believe in what we’re doing,’ says Megan. ‘It’s about the broader mission, as well as being an easy, great place to live. It has the best of all worlds.’

‘I feel constantly surrounded by people who care about the things that I care about.

‘There’s a synergy there between valuing the environment in a very immediate way. Our office has a spectacular view from the kitchen looking out over the hills. You don’t feel like you’re in a city.

Turning research into reality

Neoen was instrumental in helping Canberra be the first city outside Europe to meet a goal of 100% renewable energy in 2020. To do this, the local team built strong relationships in Canberra’s innovation ecosystem.

‘It’s a benefit of working in a smaller city, where research, policy and industry talk,’ says Megan.

‘It’s unlike a big city, where businesses operate in silos and research is fantasy. In Canberra, it’s well integrated and connected. We work together, set goals together and we can take on the big issues.

‘From a renewables perspective, it’s not hard to get to 50 to 60%. The last bit is really challenging, and that’s where our research institutions thrive – working out how to do “the hard stuff”.’

Unlimited opportunities

The ACT continues to aim high with its emissions target of 100% net zero by 2045. With its access to research and proximity to government, Neoen is well-supported to join the push. 

They’re well established in Canberra, with a 24-hour control room as a hub to manage their assets and interaction with the market, 24/7.

The Canberra office is driving Australia’s biggest wind, solar and battery project: the Goyder South renewable zone. Goyder South is providing the ACT with 100MW in a 14-year contract.

It’s this confidence in the market and desire to modernise and stabilise the electricity network that gives Neoen room to continue to grow locally and secure Australia’s future.