Mike Cannon-Brookes redirects his investments to solar power in Australia

Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes is accelerating Australia's energy transition with massive investments in the SunCable project, destined to become the world's largest solar power plant.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

7-Day Pass

Up to 50 articles accessible for 7 days, with no automatic renewal

3 €/week*

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles/month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 30,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Mike Cannon-Brookes, co-founder of technology company Atlassian, is now focusing his efforts on the Australian energy sector.
Known for building one of the world’s most successful software companies, he is redirecting his capital towards renewable energies.
His interest in solar energy is reflected in the SunCable project, a colossal initiative to develop the world’s largest solar power plant, located in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The 21 billion euro project is designed to produce energy from 2030 onwards, with the ambition of exporting this energy to South-East Asia.

A strategic shift with AGL

Cannon-Brookes also acquired a significant stake in AGL, Australia’s largest electricity supplier.
This strategic investment is part of the company’s drive to transform the country’s energy landscape by closing two of the group’s major coal-fired power stations well ahead of schedule.
This decision marks an important step in reducing carbon emissions nationwide, while strengthening the competitiveness of renewable energies against traditional energy sources.

Economic and environmental outlook

Cannon-Brookes’ investment choices are motivated by a rigorous analysis of energy market trends.
It is betting on increased electrification of the Australian economy, considering that renewable energies offer significant competitive advantages in terms of cost and sustainability.
By redirecting its investments, it intends to position Australia not only as a leader in clean energy production, but also as a major exporter to regional markets.
These initiatives reflect a strategy aligned with the economic realities of the energy sector, where profitability and sustainability are becoming major growth drivers.
Far from being ideological, Cannon-Brookes’ commitment is based on a pragmatic assessment of the opportunities offered by renewable energies, while meeting the carbon emission reduction requirements imposed by national and international regulations.

French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.
Geronimo Power celebrated the near completion of its 125 MW solar farm in Jackson County, marking a major step for the local economy and regional power grid.
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska has received the Final Operational Notification for its Zwartowo photovoltaic facility, marking a key regulatory milestone in the development of large-scale solar projects in Poland.
H.E Energy will develop 100 low-voltage solar facilities totalling 10MWDC in Hokkaido for SMFL Mirai Partners, with commissioning scheduled by June 2026.
Hokkaido Gas has launched a 2MW solar power plant in Kamishihoro, with an expected annual output of 4.4GWh to be distributed locally through energy supplier Karch.
Sembcorp Industries has signed a purchase agreement to acquire a 300-megawatt solar plant in India, boosting its renewable energy footprint to a total capacity of 6.9 gigawatts.
Spanish solar energy producers have recorded 693 hours of zero or negative prices since January, already matching the total for the previous year, raising concerns about the sector’s profitability and market stability.
Mars signs a major contract with GoldenPeaks Capital to develop over 100 solar plants in Poland, aiming to power its European operations and supply chain with renewable electricity.
Doral Renewables has signed a power purchase agreement for 75% of the output from its Cold Creek Solar project, expanding its contracted portfolio to over 1.6 GW nationwide.
SNCF Voyageurs secures direct solar electricity supply from two plants owned by Octopus Energy and BayWa r.e., through 25-year agreements aimed at powering its rail network.
The end of China's VAT rebate and reduced output bring an end to eighteen months of historically low prices in solar and storage sectors.
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects has shortlisted several companies for Phase III of the Al Dibdibah solar plant, with a net capacity of 500 MW.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has agreed to examine compensation claims by ACME Solar and AMPIN Energy, citing losses caused by non-operational transmission lines.
Waaree Energies has activated a new 950 MW photovoltaic module production line in Degam, strengthening its industrial investment programme in western India.
India opens a new rooftop solar tender phase, offering 3,640 kW under the RESCO model, with a pre-bid meeting held online on October 6 by Solar Energy Corporation of India.
The Japanese developer has reached a total of 100MW in solar capacity under power purchase agreements with Microsoft, spread across four projects in the country, two of which are already operational.
SNCF Énergie signed four new renewable electricity purchase agreements with Neoen in July, covering the annual consumption equivalent of the TGV Paris–Bordeaux line.
RWE has inaugurated a 4 megawatt-peak solar park in Charente-Maritime, built on a former municipal landfill site and capable of supplying electricity to approximately 1,500 households.
EDF power solutions and El Paso Electric have started operations at the Milagro Energy Center, combining 150 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 75 MW of battery storage under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Iberdrola strengthens its partnership with Norges Bank Investment Management by adding two Spanish photovoltaic plants, raising joint operational capacity to 900 MW.

All the latest energy news, all the time

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

7 DAY PASS

Up to 50 items can be consulted for 7 days,
without automatic renewal

3€/week*

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.