Strategic report
Governance
Financial statements
34 OCU Group Annual report and financial statements 2026
Operational review continued Australia market review | Energy Transformation case studies
Case study | Australia | FY26 delivery Cloudbreak Solar Farm Chichester Range, Pilbara, Western Australia | Client: Fortescue
Cloudbreak forms part of Fortescue’s Real Zero decarbonisation program, supplying renewable power directly to its iron ore operations. Pilecom’s foundation and mechanical delivery created the client relationship, and AEC then mobilised at short notice to undertake electrical works on site. Combining the capabilities of two businesses strengthened continuity for the client and demonstrated the value of an integrated platform in remote operating conditions. Together with Solomon, Turner River and North Star Junction, Cloudbreak contributes to a wider solar program planned at around 1.3 GW. Market conditions Australia’s energy policy and generation outlook provide a long runway. The country is targeting 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030. More than A$30bn capital is available to clean energy infrastructure through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, while the A$20bn Rewiring the Nation program and regular Capacity Investment Scheme auctions are supporting additional generation, storage and connection infrastructure. Capacity Investment Scheme auctions through 2027 are expected to support around A$73bn of investment.
Within the serviceable market, OCU estimates that utility solar will grow at 22% FY25 to FY31. Growth will not be uniform. Projects remain sensitive to planning, grid access, equipment availability, financing and the capacity of principal contractors and specialist supply chains. The platform’s response is therefore to use its broader capability base to improve selectivity and execution, not simply to pursue volume. Looking ahead The immediate priority is to deliver the live portfolio safely, convert strong project references into repeat work and continue integrating reporting, systems, governance and plant. The platform will deepen electrical, mechanical and foundation capability across solar, wind and battery storage while building grid connection and regulated-power credentials in sequence. Organic growth will be reinforced by acquisition only where a target supplies proven local leadership, accreditation, geography or a capability already required by clients. Fraser Coast Hybrid PV and BESS is an early demonstration of the next stage of that model. Mobilisation began after the year end in May 2026, bringing AEC, Pilecom and Bam Bam together on one Queensland site through co‑ordinated electrical, foundation and ground-engineering scopes.
Off-grid solar capacity 190 MW
Wider solar program c.1.3 GW
Powered by FlippingBook