Australia-based Frontier Energy Limited has encountered a setback in its Waroona Renewable Energy Project after missing out on Reserve Capacity Credits (RCCs) from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Despite being initially allocated 87.2 MW of Certified Reserve Capacity in August 2024, the final allocation awarded none, due to a surplus and exclusion criteria under the Wholesale Electricity Market Rules. As per Frontier, the surplus was driven by standalone batteries receiving NonCo-optimised Essential System Services (NCESS) payments of up to AUD 591,000 per MW. Consequently, its debt arrangement with Infradebt Pty Ltd was terminated. However, Frontier is considering alternative funding sources, including bonds and equipment financing. According to Frontier, it plans to minimize delays by conducting a new Definitive Feasibility Study targeting cost-saving strategies.
Waroona project faces RCC shortfall amid capacity surplus
