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Frontier Energy Limited (ASX: FHE; OTCQB: FRHYF) (Frontier or the Company) engaged independent specialist energy and resources consultancy ResourcesWA, to undertake an assessment (the Report) of Western Australia’s major electricity network, the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).
The Report focused on evaluating potential capacity for large scale connections at existing substations and terminals across the 330kV and 220kV transmission network, from now until 2032.
This Report was commissioned by the Company to gain a better understanding of new large- scale developments on the SWIS, similar to the potential of the Bristol Spring Renewable Energy Project (the Project) in the short to medium term.
The development of multiple, large scale energy projects on the SWIS would affect wholesale electricity prices (if supply outstripped demand) and therefore potential returns on Frontier’s Stage One Project development that is planned to commence in 2024.
The Report however concluded that “there are no other opportunities that exist on the SWIS for the development of a connected generator of the scale of the Bristol Spring Renewable Energy Project in the short or medium term”. The reasons for this include:
- The North Region is limited due to the existing thermal constraints on the 330kV and 132kV transmission networks in this region (see map below for region locations);
- The East Region does not present any opportunities for large scale network connected generation in the near term due to limitations of the 220kV transmission. Limitations on transfer capacity from Merredin west limit new generation in the middle area of the East Region, with new wind developments at Kondinin absorbing transmission capacity between Merredin and Collie;
- The South Region Terminals present immediate and near term opportunities for large scale network connection.
However, within the 330kV network both Oakley and Kemerton are dependent upon existing industrial loads, with Kemerton already at its upper limits due to industrial loads within the Kemerton industrial area.
The Collie region, including the Muja and Bluewaters substations, have substation connection and transfer capacity within the 330kV network, and will present opportunities following the closure of the coal-fired power stations (planned for 2029). However, the region is surrounded by State forests, limiting land availability, with the majority of cleared land currently mined for coal and requiring rehabilitation post 2030; and - Until 2030, only Landwehr Terminal (where the Project is located) can readily accommodate new large scale renewable connections of 250MW or greater. It is expected that a number of Behind the Meter connections will be developed by industry whilst smaller scale renewable and large scale battery storage are expected to be developed in conjunction with existing generators at selected substations and terminals.
Figure 1: SWIS 330kV – 220kV network and Regions
The Report supports the Australian Energy Market Operator annual Wholesale Electricity Market Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO Report), which stated “the urgency of advancing generation, storage, demand side management and transmission projects to bolster reliability and support a rapid and orderly energy transition. Its findings emphasise the need for additional capacity procurement and expedited progress of capacity projects in the SWIS.” The ESOO Report also highlighted demand is forecast to increase significantly over the next decade to at least 78% (Expected Case), with an Upside Case increasing by more than 220%.
A copy of the ESOO "Report is attached to this announcement.
Frontier Managing Director, Sam Lee Mohan, commented: “While we always believed the Bristol Springs Renewable Energy Project was the best undeveloped renewable energy project in WA, we did not appreciate that it is the only project of its size that can access the SWIS network in the short to medium term. This again highlights what a unique opportunity the Company has with the Project, as well as the growing importance of the Project to the State, at a time when energy prices are continuing to rise and energy security is becoming more important than ever.
The next few months are shaping up as the most significant in the Company’s history with multiple major events on the horizon. First, we expect to complete the acquisition of Waroona Energy Inc. in December 2023. This transaction will then be followed by a DFS for Waroona’s Stage One Solar development (120MW) as well as the Peaking Plant Study expected to be released in 1Q24.”
This article includes content from Frontier Energy, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
FHE:AU
Carbonxt Group Limited – September 2024 Quarterly Update
Highlights
- 4-year, $24m contract extension for the ongoing supply of premium PAC products to Reworld – an existing Carbonxt customer. Post quarter-end, Carbonxt commenced full-scale delivery of additional PAC volumes to Reworld from its Black Birch facility, in accordance with the contact terms.
- Quarterly revenue of $4.3m, with Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) sales up 31% and Activated Carbon Pellets (ACP) sales up 27%, driven by increased demand from the power generation sector.
- Successful completion of a $3.02m capital raise, via the placement of 46.4m fully paid ordinary shares at $0.065 per share which was strongly supported by a network of sophisticated and high net-worth investors and family offices.
- Carbonxt made a further $0.625m investment in NewCarbon Processing, LLC (“NewCarbon”), the investment vehicle for the new state-of-the-art AC production facility in Kentucky jointly held with Kentucky Carbon Processing, LLC (“KCP”), with a further $0.625m to be completed in this quarter.
- Key construction works at the flagship Activated Carbon production facility in Kentucky were completed in the quarter; commissioning of the plant is now imminent with business development and operating processes being ramped-up.
Principal Activities
Carbonxt is a cleantech company that develops and manufactures environmental technologies to maintain compliance with air and water emission requirements and to remove harmful pollutants. The Company’s primary operations are in the US and include a significant R&D focus as well as manufacturing plants for activated carbon pellets and powder activated carbon. Carbonxt continues to expand its pellet product portfolio to address numerous industrial applications.
Managing Director Warren Murphy commented:
“The September quarter was highlighted by continued momentum across all our key growth drivers, with increased sales from existing operations complemented by the forthcoming commissioning of our state-of-the-art production facility in Kentucky.”
“With commissioning of the Kentucky facility now imminent, Carbonxt continues to execute on its strategy to deliver a step-change in growth and earnings, significantly scaling up its production capacity to meet the growing demand for premium Activated Carbon production in the US market.”
Overview
- Customer receipts for the quarter were $1.8m. As noted in the ASX announcement of 28 May 2024, Wisconsin Public Service (“WPS”) pre-paid for the volume delivered in this quarter. The pre-payment amount was received in the previous quarter and associated volumes have now been delivered in full. New business in the waste to energy market (see announcement of 17 October 2024) commenced on 1 October 2024 and these increased revenues will be seen the next quarter.
- Activated Carbon Pellet (ACP) primary sales during this period were higher by 27% for the quarter compared to last quarter as the WPS pre-paid volumes were delivered.
- Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) revenue was 31% higher this quarter as compared to the prior quarter due to seasonally higher PAC usage in the summer by electricity utility customers.
Revenue and Operating Cash Flow
- Total revenue for the quarter was $4.3m with PAC sales contributing to 42% of this revenue. To mitigate the impact of seasonal fluctuations, which are a feature of the power generation sector, the Company continues to diversify its product offerings and expand into other markets, particularly in the water and wastewater sectors.
- As noted earlier, the Net Operating Cash for the quarter reflects the prepayment for 1,200 tons of ACP products from WPS in the prior quarter, with production and revenue recognition largely in this quarter.
- Revenue and cash receipts from the $6m p.a. contract extension with Reworld will be recognised in the December quarter, following the completion of first deliveries in October.
Figure 1 – Quarterly Net Operating Cashflows
Further Investment in NewCarbon
Carbonxt utilised part of its recent fundraising (see below) to meet the next instalment of its investment in NewCarbon. The total instalment is US$1.25m, with US$0.625m made in the quarter, with the remaining balance expected to be made by 15 November 2024. Carbonxt’s ownership stake in NewCarbon at the end of this September quarter is 38%.
Click here for the Appendix 4C
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Carbonxt Group, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
