Origin Energy has purchased renewable energy developer Walcha Energy in New South Wales, Australia, for an undisclosed sum.

Walcha Energy has been developing the Ruby Hills wind and the Salisbury solar projects, which have a planned capacity of 1.3GW.

The two projects are situated near Origin's recently purchased Warrane property. The proposed Salisbury project is 10km south of Uralla while Ruby Hills is 10km west of Walcha.

The Ruby Hills wind farm will generate 870MW, while the Salisbury solar farm is projected to produce 450MW.

Interaction with local residents and landowners and completing technical research will be primary priorities in the project's near future.

Origin head of energy supply and operations Greg Jarvis stated: “The acquisition of Walcha Energy is consistent with Origin’s ambition to lead the energy transition, and specifically our strategic priority to accelerate renewables and storage in our portfolio. 

“Through Walcha and the earlier acquisition of the Warrane property, Origin’s portfolio now includes several projects with promising wind and solar resources within the New South Wales renewable energy zone, close to recently published transmission line investigation routes. 

“We look forward to building on the work already completed on these renewables projects, bringing Origin’s scale, expertise and track record in developing and operating large-scale energy and resource projects across Australia.”

In January 2024, the company approved the construction of a 300MW/650 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system at its Mortlake power station in south-west Victoria.

The project, expected to be operational by late 2026, represents an investment of A$400m ($263m). In November 2023, AustralianSuper, one of Origin's largest shareholders with a 17.5% stake, rejected a revised takeover bid from a consortium led by Brookfield and EIG. The offer was valued at A$16.14bn.