Predicted weather pattern may cause ‘production dip’

NEW PROSPECTIVE OWNER: A Spanish company now wants to buy the new Lake Bonney $38.5m battery storage plant, 112 wind turbines and the other assets of Infigen Energy.

WARNING ISSUED: An El Nino weather pattern in the coming months may cut energy production at Lake Bonney. Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH

THE owners of 112 wind turbines at Lake Bonney have warned investors that energy generation may dip as a result of a predicted El-Nino weather pattern.

In a recent statement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Infigen Energy said the El-Niño is currently rated at neutral.

“However, the Bureau of Meteorology El Niño outlook remains at “watch” meaning there is around a 50pc chance of an El Niño weather pattern developing during the southern hemisphere autumn or winter, “Infigen Energy stated.

“El Niño periods can result in lower than average wind production, noting El Niño is not a precondition to such lower production, with Infigen Energy having experienced lower than average wind production in periods experiencing an El Niño and in periods when one was not existing.”

Meanwhile, Infigen Energy has also told the market its energy production at Lake Bonney was down well down last month in comparison with the same period of 2018.

Production fell from 47 gigawatts to 35 gigawatts.