Why wind projects are stalled at the gate

This episode of Energy Insiders dives into the growing frustration over stalled large-scale wind energy projects in Australia, particularly in New South Wales, despite a significant backlog of approved developments. Hosts Giles Parkinson and David Leach, joined by Richard Merzian from the Clean Energy Investor Group, explore the complex web of barriers: escalating project costs, prolonged planning approvals under EPBC and FERB, expensive and slow state-level processes, and a lack of coordinated government leadership. While Australia has made progress in clean energy adoption—surpassing 50% renewable generation and seeing strong solar and battery growth—wind projects are stuck in a 'messy middle' where policy, planning, and financing hurdles prevent projects from reaching financial close. The conversation highlights that over $20 billion in approved wind projects remain undeveloped, with developers citing uncertainty around capital gains tax reforms, insufficient domestic superannuation investment, and weak demand for power purchase agreements (PPAs). The hosts express concern that without a unified, whole-of-government strategy and bold reforms to the Capacity Investment Scheme and planning systems, Australia risks falling behind on its 2030 clean energy targets. Yet, they also spotlight positive developments: declining solar and battery costs, successful hybrid projects, and growing momentum in industrial electrification, offering hope if political will and policy coherence can be achieved.