ACEN Australia has secured federal approval for its 900-megawatt Robbins Island Wind project, marking one of the largest private investments in Tasmania’s history and a critical step in Australia’s clean energy transition.

The USD 3-billion development will generate enough power for up to 500,000 homes, create around 400 construction jobs, and inject more than USD 30 million annually into the state economy. A USD 27-million community benefits program will also support the Circular Head region.

ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said the decision underscored both the urgency of the energy transition and the viability of large-scale projects.

“The decision shows that large, complex projects can be delivered responsibly, balancing overall impacts and conserving biodiversity, with the need for clean energy to address climate change,” Pollington said. “It comes at a time when Australia faces a stalling energy transition and looming power shortages as coal exits the system. It also reflects the depth and rigour of ACEN’s work to address the assessment criteria and scrutiny applied through the approvals process.”

The approval follows over eight years of government review, including extensive studies of Robbins Island’s ecosystems. Pollington emphasized the project’s strong resource, which can generate 30 percent more power than comparable Australian wind projects, and its role in meeting Tasmania’s clean energy targets.

“It will also make a significant contribution to Tasmanian emissions targets, representing more than half of Tasmania’s 2030 target,” he said. “This is particularly important for Victoria, which will lose half of its coal generation by 2035, making investment in Marinus Link and the North West Transmission Developments a smart and timely move.”

The project still awaits approval of a transmission line, expected in 2026, before construction can proceed. First power generation is targeted for 2030.

What takeaways does Robbins Island offer for the Philippines as it pursues offshore wind, transmission upgrades, and large-scale renewable investments?

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