Highly Experienced Renewable Energy Debt Advisor Appointed

CEO Adam Kiley commented: “The appointment of a debt adviser is a key milestone in advancing our Stage One development towards FID. The Company believes that Leeuwin brings a high level of expertise and deal experience, and we look forward to working with them.

Now that the State Government has determined a battery to be the reference technology for benchmark reserve capacity payments, an integrated solar and battery development will attract significant Reserve Capacity Payments. These can be locked in for a minimum of five years, providing significant scope for debt financing of Stage One. The Company is continuing to progress the DFS for Stage One, with results to be announced later in February, in preparation for FID in 1H24”

Highly experienced debt advisor appointed

Frontier selected Leeuwin following a competitive process, given Leeuwin’s exceptional strength and expertise in delivering optimal debt funding solutions for their clients having executed transactions throughout Australia and internationally. Importantly Leeuwin has a demonstrated track record, knowledge and experience within the Western Australian energy sector including renewable energy projects which have incorporated solar and battery storage infrastructure.

The Company considers Leeuwin’s WA renewable energy project experience of critical importance, as WA is a different environment for developing renewable energy projects compared to the National Electricity Market (NEM) electricity grid on the east coast of Australia. A notable difference is Reserve Capacity Payments (RCP) that are only available in WA.

RCP for an 80MW 4-hour battery is forecast to generate ~$24 million in revenue in 2026/27 (excludes solar RCPs). RCP can also be locked in for at least five years, creating a secure revenue stream that should be highly attractive to debt financiers.

DFS on track for February delivery

The Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) remains on track for release in February 2024.

In addition to the appointment of Leeuwin, the Company has shortlisted Independent Technical Experts, tax advisers and legal advisers, which are all critical to ensure timely delivery of binding debt terms to ensure the Company remains on track to achieve its target of a Final Investment Decision by mid 2024.

Wholesale Electricity Prices increased further

Wholesale Electricity Market prices in January again showed an increasing trend. The average for January of $78/MWh was a 16% year-on-year increase over $68/MWh recorded in January 2023, and a 6% month-on-month increase over $74/MWh recorded in December 2023².