AGL Energy Limited (AGL) announced today that is looking to develop a new proposal for the Hallett 3 (Mt Bryan) wind farm site, incorporating more economic wind turbine technology. This has resulted in the commercial decision by AGL to not proceed with the development as previously approved.

The 33 turbine wind farm proposal is located in mid-north South Australia near the township of Hallett. AGL prepared a planning application for the wind farm in 2008 and obtained planning consent from the local council in mid-2009. The planning consent is currently under appeal before the Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court. The ERD Court has previously upheld the planning consent in November 2010.

Since obtaining planning consent, wind turbine technology has improved significantly beyond that described in the original development application. The original consent would not allow for these alternative and larger wind turbine generators to be incorporated in to the proposed wind farm. As a result AGL is seeking to cease legal proceedings.

Nigel Bean, Head of Generation Development, said: "We are looking to develop a new proposal for the Hallett 3 wind farm site to incorporate the larger, more efficient wind turbines and optimise the performance of the wind farm. Timing for submission of a new planning application will depend upon our other development options."

"AGL is committed to further investment in renewable energy generation to meet the 20 percent Renewable Energy Target by 2020."

AGL already has five operating wind farms in South Australia, and others under development. It also acquired development rights for the Silverton wind farm in March 2012, which subject to electricity network capacity could provide up to 300 MW in stage 1. An expression of interest with EPC contractors is currently being undertaken.

AGL has the largest wind generation portfolio in Australia and is currently constructing the 420 MW Macarthur wind farm which is due to be competed in early 2013.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated renewable energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.