In Depth: Australian target review breeds uncertainty for wind

Turbine manufacturers and wind farm owners face rising uncertainty in Australia, with a review of the national Renewable Energy Target (RET) — a major driver of demand — due at the end of the year amid mounting opposition at the state level.

The RET offers opportunities for an industry buffeted by changing state policies.

The target of generating 20% of Australia’s electricity from renewables — with a large portion expected to come from wind — has the advantage of being agreed upon by the Labor government and the opposition Liberal-National coalition. But the review is eyed anxiously by an industry unnerved by volatility in state planning laws, which, in the case of Victoria, has virtually put an end to new investment.

Chris Judd, chief executive and managing director of REpower Australia — the…

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