ACEN Australia, the Australian unit of the Ayala Group’s power arm ACEN Corp., announced Tuesday that its Stubbo Solar project has achieved full commercial operation. This milestone marks the project as the first solar generator backed by a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) to reach full commercial operation in the state, signaling a significant turning point in New South Wales’ clean-energy transition.
The Au$760 million (Australian), 520 megawatt-dc (400 megawatt-ac) Stubbo Solar project is now among the largest solar projects ever built in Australia.
The company celebrated the achievement with an onsite ceremony on Friday. Attendees included New South Wales Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe.
She was joined by Ayala president and chief executive and ACEN chairman Cezar Consing, ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia and ACEN Australia executive chairman Jose Maria Zabaleta.
ACEN Australia executive chairman Jose Maria Zabaleta noted the company’s commitment. “Stubbo Solar reinforces ACEN’s long-term commitment to Australia’s clean energy future,” Zabaleta said.
“This milestone highlights how clear policy and strong partnerships can unlock large-scale renewable investments,” he said.
ACEN Australia managing director David Pollington noted the project’s journey, which began several years ago before current policy frameworks were established.
“What started as a single site concept has become one of the most significant renewable energy investments in regional New South Wales, built through partnership, persistence, and strategic adaptation,” Pollington said.
Pollington also stressed the importance of continued collaboration between government and industry amid changing market conditions.
“As the market evolves, costs are rising, delivery conditions are changing rapidly and market dynamics are shifting – these pressures are real, and they reinforce the importance of partnership between government and industry to ensure policy settings remain responsive, effective and investment-ready,” he said.
ACEN said it is proud to be part of the transition and looks forward to working closely with the New South Wales Government, its partners and stakeholders to deliver the next wave of clean, reliable and affordable energy for the state.
