Iberdrola Australia
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Renewable energy |
| Predecessor | Infigen Energy |
| Founded | October 2005 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA) |
Key people | Ross Rolfe (CEO), Len Gill (Chairman) |
| Products | Wind farms, solar farms, battery storage, firming resources |
| Parent | Iberdrola S.A. |
Iberdrola Australia (previously known as Infigen Energy) is engaged in developing, owning, and managing renewable energy projects across Australia. The company’s headquarters are located in Sydney, with additional offices in Melbourne and Brisbane. It became part of Iberdrola S.A. in 2020.
With a renewable energy portfolio totaling 2.4GW as of May 2024, Iberdrola Australia ranks among the largest operators in the nation. Its customers are distributed throughout New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia (within the National Electricity Market), and Western Australia (South West Interconnected System).
History
Prior to its acquisition by the Spanish corporation Iberdrola S.A. in 2020, the business operated under the name Infigen Energy.
Infigen Energy was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in October 2005 using the ticker BBW. At that time, it owned three wind farms with a combined capacity near 150 MW. By 2007, the company had grown its holdings to 33 wind farms with an aggregate capacity of 1,200 MW, positioning it as the fourth-largest wind farm proprietor worldwide and the leading wind energy supplier in Australia.
In 2009, following its separation from its financially troubled parent company Babcock & Brown (ASX code IFN), it rebranded from Babcock & Brown Wind Partners to Infigen Energy.
From 2012 until 2018, Infigen supported community engagement through annual “Run with the Wind” charity events held at Woodlawn Wind Farm, fostering partnerships with local organisations.
In 2013, Infigen partnered with Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas to promote the "Act on Facts" campaign advocating wind energy. By 2015, it had joined initiatives such as the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Road to Paris commitments under the We Mean Business coalition and participated in Australia's CitySwitch Green Office program, demonstrating its sustainability focus.
Leadership transitions during this period included CEO Miles George stepping down in November 2016 after seven years at the helm; Ross Rolfe succeeded him. In 2017, Len Gill took over as chairman from Mike Hutchinson.
In June 2020, Credit Suisse initiated a takeover proposal for Infigen on behalf of UAC Energy. However, Iberdrola’s competing bid was ultimately successful, culminating in UAC divesting its shares to Iberdrola by September 2020.
The transition from Infigen to Iberdrola Australia was announced mid-2020 and finalized by December of that year; the official corporate name change took effect on 1 June 2021.
Operations
Iberdrola Australia’s asset portfolio comprises wind and solar power facilities, battery storage systems, and fast-start firming resources. All wind farms hold GreenPower accreditation.
Wind farms*
| Wind Farm | Installed Capacity (MW) | State | Commercial Operation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Bonney 1 | 81 | SA | March 2005 |
| Walkaway | 89 | WA | July 2006 |
| Lake Bonney 2 | 159 | SA | September 2008 |
| Capital | 141 | NSW | January 2010 |
| Lake Bonney 3 | 39 | SA | July 2010 |
| Woodlawn | 48 | NSW | October 2011 |
| Bodangora | 113 | NSW | February 2019 |
| Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park (PAREP)* | 210 | SA | September 2022 |
| Flyers Creek | 145 | NSW | September 2024 |
*PAREP operates as a hybrid facility combining wind and solar generation.
Solar farms
| Solar Farm | Installed Capacity (MW) | State | Commercial Operation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAREP | 107 | SA | September 2022 |
| Avonlie | 245 | NSW | August 2023 |
| Broadsound | 376 | QLD | Under construction |
Contracted Renewable Energy Assets
| Asset | Installed Capacity (MW) | State | Contract Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Tree | 58 | VIC | December 2018 |
| Collector | 136^ | NSW | March 2020 |
^Represents contracted capacity.
Firming Assets
| Firming Asset | Installed Capacity (MW) | State | Acquisition/Operation Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smithfield | 123 | NSW | May 2019 (acquisition) |
| Lake Bonney | 25 | SA | December 2019 |
| Bolivar^^ | 120 | SA | February 2023 |
| Wallgrove^^ | 50 | NSW | October 2021 |
| Broadsound | 180 | QLD | Under construction |
^^Held under long-term lease agreements.
Sustainability Initiatives
In June 2024, Iberdrola Australia published its inaugural annual Sustainability Report, adhering to the global criteria established by Iberdrola S.A. The organisation aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to attain a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. Additionally, it has committed to the UN Global Compact and the Caring for Climate programs.