Macquarie Group’s green investment division has announced the launch of a new renewable-energy business, called Aula Energy. The new venture will focus on developing, building, and operating wind, solar, and integrated battery projects across Australia and New Zealand. With an initial portfolio expected to have a capacity of 4 gigawatts, Aula Energy will span all Australian states and position itself as a key player in the energy transition of both countries.
Lachlan Creswell, head of Macquarie Asset Management’s specialist green investments team for Australia and New Zealand, said the new business would diversify and grow the company’s onshore portfolio as demand from investors for renewable-energy assets increases. “The energy transition in Australia requires an acceleration in the deployment of new renewable generation,” he said. “The Aula Energy team’s experience and long-term partnership approach to creating and managing renewable energy projects will be underpinned by access to long-term capital.”
Aula Energy has been designed to span the full “develop, build, own, operate” project lifecycle. Construction of Boulder Creek Wind Farm in Queensland state is expected to begin in 2024. The initial portfolio includes a series of large-scale onshore wind farms in Western Australia that could total up to 2.4GW.
Macquarie’s expansion of its green investment division marks a significant step towards increasing renewable energy generation in Australia and New Zealand while meeting growing demand for investment opportunities in this sector. With plans to diversify and grow its onshore portfolio, Aula Energy is well-positioned to play a key role in the energy transition of both countries by focusing on long-term partnerships and access to capital.