ACEN Corp., the renewable energy arm of the Ayala Group, said the 900 MW Robbins Island wind project in Australia has secured Federal Government approval, a major boost to one of the largest private investments in Tasmania’s history and a pivotal step in Australia’s clean energy transition.
The AUD3 billion development, backed by Ayala-led ACEN Corporation, is expected to generate power for up to 500,000 homes, create 400 construction jobs, and inject over AUD30 million annually into the Tasmanian economy. It also includes a AUD27 million community benefits program for the Circular Head region.
“This is a significant moment for the Tasmanian economy and Australia’s renewable energy future,” said ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington. “It proves large, complex projects can be responsibly delivered, balancing clean energy needs with biodiversity protection.”
Following eight years of rigorous environmental assessment, the project now boasts the most comprehensive study of Robbins Island’s ecosystem to date—laying the foundation for responsible construction and ongoing environmental management.
Expected to start generating electricity by 2030, the wind project will complement Tasmania’s hydro capacity. Wind will provide low-cost baseload power, allowing hydro to serve its true role as flexible storage and on-demand generation—a critical factor as Victoria phases out half of its coal generation by 2035.
The project also supports the Marinus Link Stage 1, an undersea transmission project recently greenlit by Victoria and Tasmania, enabling new generation from Tasmania to serve growing demand in Victoria.
ACEN Executive Chairman Jose Maria Zabaleta called the approval a “testament to our team’s dedication,” adding that it positions ACEN to serve both Tasmanian and Victorian markets while expanding beyond its core operations in New South Wales.
ACEN Australia continues to scale up with large solar, wind, and battery projects across the country.
