Andrew Forrest-owned Squadron Energy names new chief executive

Rob Wheals — a keen runner — faces a new marathon: delivering Andrew Forrest’s ambition to lead Australia’s energy transition.

Australia’s largest renewable energy developer Squadron Energy has named former APA Group head Rob Wheals as its new chief executive, as outgoing boss Jason Willoughby moves to become chairman of the Andrew Forrest-owned developer.

The shake-up will see Mr Wheals tasked with delivering Mr Forrest’s pledge to deliver one-third of all the wind and solar generation needed by 2030 if Australia is to meet its energy transition targets.

The move to appoint Mr Willoughby, one of the country’s most respected renewable energy executives, also underscores an acceptance within Squadron that community engagement shapes as one of the country’s largest and most immediate impediments to the transition away from fossil fuels.

Mr Wheals said the new role was a massive challenge but one which will have a positive outcome for the country.

“I’m both humbled and excited to be joining an organisation at the forefront of transforming

Australia’s energy landscape through the responsible step-up to renewables and the

enormous economic opportunity that brings for regional communities and the whole country,”

Mr Wheals said.

“Squadron is perfectly placed to deliver the firmed renewables that the nation needs to decarbonise.”

Mr Wheals faces a monumental task. Mr Forrest in January said Squadron would build 14GW of new wind and solar projects by 2030 as part of a 20GW build-out.

Squadron Energy has less than 2GW of wind and solar capacity operating or under construction, and to meet its target it will require a sevenfold increase in just six years.

But should the target be met, it would mark a substantial increase to Australia’s renewable energy capacity and mark a pivotal moment in Australia’s energy transition.

The Australian Energy Market Operator estimates the country needs 57GW of grid-scale solar and wind generation capacity to be installed by 2030 — a rise from the current capacity of 19GW.

Australia — one of the world’s largest per capita emitters — is currently on course to miss its renewable energy targets to wean off coal, which has stoked concerns the country will have to either prolong the use of coal or risk blackouts.

Mr Wheals joins after leaving APA Group in 2022 after 14 years, three of which he was the company’s chief executive.

The emergence of Mr Wheals at Squadron will temper the blow of Mr Willoughby’s departure as day-to-day head of the business.

Mr Willoughby joined Squadron when Mr Forrest acquired CWP Renewables in 2022 for more than $4bn. Mr Willoughby has overseen a substantial growth period for Squadron and is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the transition away from coal.

Sources close to Mr Willoughby said the move illustrated his belief that community engagement was now one of the country’s biggest obstacles.

“This is a crucial time in Australia’s step-up to renewables and we will ensure that Squadron

deepens its best practice approach to working with communities, so locals experience

positive outcomes from the renewable energy transition and are able to contribute to it,” Mr

Willoughby said.

The focus of Mr Willoughby comes amid broad concern about the treatment of rural and regional Australia amid the energy transition.

An independent ­report earlier this month found multibillion-dollar renewable projects were creating ­anxiety and mistrust in rural ­communities, a sentiment which has seen some within the Coalition urge a pause in new zero-emission developments.

Moving to counter some allegations, Mr Forrest this week said Squadron Energy would create an industry fund for decommissioning wind turbines — providing “peace of mind” for landowners.

Mr Forrest has also previously flagged improving regional internet connections as part of new renewable energy projects undertaken by Squadron.

Originally published as Andrew Forrest-owned Squadron Energy names new chief executive