Gamuda Australia has taken a significant step forward in its Australian growth journey, targeting the nation’s AUD328 billion energy sector with a long-term ambition to become a leading end-to-end developer, builder and owner of renewable energy assets.
This perspective was echoed during Gamuda Australia’s conversation with Forbes, where the company outlined its ambitions to broaden its ambitions to broaden its reach into the Australian clean energy sector through collaborative partnerships.
Gamuda’s first investment project was announced in July 2025, where we agree to take equity in two projects in Central Tasmania, named Weasel Solar Farm and Cellars Hill Wind Farm. They will be developed by prominent Tasmanian landowners, the Downie Family, in partnership with development partner Alternate Path. For more than 200 years, the Downie Family has been stewards of pastoral land in Tasmania, with Peter Downie a respected community leader and advocate for renewable energy.
Central to the agreement is a shared commitment to maintaining the landowner-led principles that underpin these projects. We will continue to work in close partnership with the Downie Family and Alternate Path to ensure local collaboration and community benefit remain at the heart of delivery.
The investment was recently approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). It will secure Gamuda’s development rights for current and future projects within the portfolio and enable the company to deliver them under sole source Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts. This positions us with a strong pipeline of energy construction work through to 2029.
Building on Local Collaboration
Both projects exemplify a landowner-led, community-first approach, combining renewable energy generation with agricultural use, known as agrisolar, where solar farms also support sheep grazing.
The project planning has been shaped through extensive consultation with landowners, local communities and government stakeholders to ensure environmental sensitivity and lasting social value. This includes creating local jobs and providing energy rebates to households within a 12 km radius of the projects.
Peter Downie said the partnership represents a “win-win” for landowners, the community and Gamuda.
“We have been highly selective in finding the right partner to develop this portfolio — one that brings both financial and technical capability, while being genuinely committed to the strong social licence and landowner-led principles behind these projects.” Peter Downie
“After many months of discussion, we’ve seen Gamuda’s partnership approach and commitment to our community values firsthand. We’re excited to move forward together to deliver these projects for the benefit of Tasmanians.”
Jarred Hardman, Gamuda’s Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, said the Tasmanian portfolio aligns perfectly with Gamuda’s long-term vision.
“This deal represents Gamuda’s ongoing Australian investment and aligns with our goal to develop, build, and own high-quality energy assets that accelerate Australia’s clean energy future.” Jarred Hardman
“It builds on our success in the infrastructure sector, where we are currently delivering an AUD4.5 billion pipeline, and leverages our international experience across a range of renewable energy projects.”
In just five years, Hardman has been instrumental in establishing Gamuda Australia’s presence, securing the AUD2.1 billion Sydney Metro West – Western Tunnelling project and the AUD2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass.
Subject to further planning and approvals, construction is expected to commence in FY2027 for Weasel Solar Farm and in FY2028 for Cellars Hill Wind Farm.
Why Tasmania?
Tasmania became the first Australian state to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity in 2020, thanks mainly to its extensive hydropower system. With world-class wind and water resources, a skilled workforce and strong government support, the state is well-positioned to play a central role in Australia’s clean energy transition.
Often referred to as the “Battery of the Nation”, Tasmania’s dispatchable hydropower capacity can complement mainland solar and wind generation by storing and supplying renewable energy when it’s most needed, helping stabilise the national grid and drive Australia toward a sustainable energy future.
Advancing Gamuda’s Energy Strategy
Over the past 18 months, Gamuda has steadily expanded its capabilities in the clean energy sector to support Australia’s transition to net zero. Its strategy focuses on investing in “shovel-ready” solar and wind projects, as well as pursuing EPC contracts across solar, wind, pumped hydro and transmission infrastructure.
The company is currently engaged under Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreements for Alinta Energy’s Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Project in New South Wales and Copenhagen Infrastructure AI rendered artist impression. As Mortlake Energy Hub Stage 1‘s delivery partner for the ECI phase, Gamuda will guide the design, secure council approvals, manage major procurement and oversee key works packages. Partners’ Capricornia Energy Hub in Queensland.
Recently, we have been appointed by Yanara as the project delivery partner for the ECI component of the Mortlake Energy Hub in southwest Victoria, an integrated hybrid renewable energy development, specifically for stage 1, comprising a 435 MWp Solar farm with a 1,200 MWh BESS plus 300 MW Connection Point.
