By Neeraj Nanda
Melbourne, 12 February: After the delayed Carmichael Coal mine project in Queensland, facing environmental and indigenous opposition, Indian mining giant Adani has announced plans to invest in Solar projects in Australia. The announcement came during the visit of Indian Energy Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to attend the 3rd India-Australia Energy dialogue.
Fairfax media has quoted Minister Pyush Goyal as warning Indian investment in Australia could be deterred if obstacles to the giant Adani Enterprises coal project in the Galilee basin are not overcome.
Despite the warning Adani Australia in a move to balance environmental opposition to the Coal project announced plans for Solar investments in Queensland and South Australia.
In a statement, Adani Australia says the proposed investments in Solar generation “…would be in addition to, not in lieu of, the company’s existing and planned further investments in the mine at Carmichael, the North Galilee Basin Rail, the port at Abbot Point and the port’s expansion.
If and when these opportunities come to fruition, Adani will update the market on the value, scope and nature of these investments.”
“The company’s planned investments in Australia would leverage this expertise, as well as the company’s focus on photovoltaic manufacturing opportunities, which would provide valuable export and employment opportunities in India at the same time as Adani’s existing investments in Queensland provide substantial employment and export opportunities, the statement says.
