A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between leading energy infrastructure businesses, APA Group and EDF Group, has been signed to explore future electricity transmission projects.
The MoU will allow the two businesses to capitalise on their respective experience and expertise owning and operating significant energy infrastructure assets, creating an attractive proposition when bidding for new transmission projects.
An initial focus will be the emerging New England Renewable Energy Zone project in New South Wales. Pursuit of projects is subject to further internal and external approvals and entry into a long form partnering agreement.
EDF Group is a leading global energy infrastructure group that owns and operates an extensive range of assets, including generation, transmission, distribution, storage, energy supply and optimisation, retail/trading, alternative clean fuels and adjacent businesses.
EDF Group’s expertise complements APA Group’s experience and expertise as a leading ASX listed Australian energy infrastructure business with a $22 billion portfolio of assets that deliver essential energy services across all of Australia.
This includes owning and operating three high voltage transmission links in the National Electricity Market and a portfolio of electricity network and generation assets across Australia, along with a range of renewable energy assets, gas generation plants and gas pipelines.
APA Group Executive for Electricity Transmission, Vin Vassallo, said the new partnership would create an attractive value proposition when bidding for transmission projects by leveraging the extensive capabilities of both businesses.
“Australia faces an enormous decarbonisation challenge and the fastest way for our economy to decarbonise is through the accelerated ramp-up of renewable power. This will require significant investment in transmission infrastructure to transport this green energy to homes and businesses across the country,” Mr Vassallo said.
“As a trusted owner and operator of a range of energy assets, including some of Australia’s most critical electricity transmission interconnectors, we know the importance of reliable energy infrastructure.
“We have continued to build on our capabilities in electricity transmission, establishing deep operational and project delivery expertise, giving us confidence that we can play a meaningful role in this space.
“We look forward to working with EDF Group to pursue transmission projects such as the New England Renewable Energy Zone, which will be critical in ensuring the reliable, affordable supply of green energy.”
James Katsikas, the Australian Country Manager for EDF Group, expressed EDF Group’s strong commitment to assisting Australia transition to a clean-energy economy. He emphasised EDF’s dedication to delivering a portfolio of clean-energy projects across the national energy network and highlighted the fact that EDF Group had an exceptional track record in developing, designing, delivering, and operating complex transmission infrastructure.
Mr Katsikas said, “EDF Group possesses unparalleled expertise in clean-energy development, financing, and supply chain management. With our knowledge and experience, we are well-equipped to successfully execute multiple projects within the clean-energy value chain.”
Mr Katsikas also said EDF were looking forward to leveraging that unique capability in complex scenarios such as that in the New England Renewable Energy Zone.
“We are looking forward to collaborating with the APA team on the New England Renewable Energy Zone, believing that this agreement has the potential to be a significant milestone in Australia’s renewable journey, accelerating the nation’s transition towards clean energy production and consumption.”
