Gentari launches solar operations in Australia under new branding

Gentari, the clean-energy arm of Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas company PETRONAS, has unveiled its rebranded Australian operations, marking the transition of WIRSOL Energy to Gentari Solar Australia, following Gentari’s acquisition of the company earlier this year.

The rebranding amplifies Gentari’s footprint in the Australian renewable energy landscape, boasting an integrated solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) and asset management capability. The company, with Andrew Barson at the helm as chief executive officer, oversees 422 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity and an additional 765 MW in the pipeline.

Barson is tasked with expanding the company’s solar and BESS operations in Australia. Key projects include the Maryvale and Barnawartha Solar and Energy Storage Projects in New South Wales and Victoria, respectively. These projects, nearing their final investment decision, will contribute more than 500 MW to the country’s renewable energy capacity.

Low Kian Min, Gentari’s chief renewables officer, emphasszed the company’s commitment to propelling clean energy adoption in Australia. The firm aims to utilise its assets to enhance utility-scale solar capacity and battery storage, aligning with Australia’s evolving energy landscape.

Gentari’s Australian operations contribute 422 MW to its global renewable energy portfolio, complementing more than one GW of capacity in Malaysia and India. The company’s ambitious growth strategy in Australia is anchored in solar and wind assets, aiming to contribute more than five GW towards its global target of 30 to 40 GW by 2030.

Australia’s shift from coal-fired generation, supported by favorable government policies and a robust financing ecosystem, aligns with Gentari’s vision. The company is exploring opportunities in wind generation and green energy for hydrogen production, amidst the country’s transition to 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030.

Barson expressed optimism about Gentari’s expansion in Australia, highlighting upcoming employment opportunities across the renewable energy sector, as the company seeks to bolster its presence in the region.

The Australian government’s Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) underscores the nation’s commitment to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, marking a significant stride away from coal, which currently accounts for 66% of the nation’s energy generation.