Core Insights - Vast Renewables has successfully closed a placement of US$3.5 million in convertible notes with major investors, Nabors Industries and Canberra Airport Group, indicating strong investor confidence in the company [1][3]. Funding and Project Development - The funding will support the Port Augusta Green Energy Hub, including the flagship utility-scale long duration energy storage project, Vast Solar 1 (VS1), and the development of an international project pipeline [2]. - The investment is part of a broader capital raise initiated in August, which is attracting leading institutional and strategic investors [2]. Technology and Project Details - VS1 is a 30MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant located in Port Augusta, South Australia, utilizing Vast's modular tower CSP v3.0 technology to generate clean, low-cost, dispatchable power with 10 hours of thermal energy storage [4]. - The project has secured up to A$290 million in conditional support from the Australian Government, including a A$180 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) [4]. - Final Investment Decision (FID) for VS1 is expected by the end of December 2025, with financial close anticipated by the end of March 2026 [4]. Additional Projects - The Port Augusta Green Energy Hub also includes a 140MW / 2-hour lithium-ion battery project, developed in partnership with 1414 Degrees, aimed at providing critical storage and grid stability, with FID expected in 2026 [5]. Upcoming Events - Vast will hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 14, 2025, where it will update shareholders on progress and outlook for the upcoming year [6]. - The company plans to publish its Annual Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, around October 23, 2025 [6]. Company Overview - Vast Renewables is a leading Australian on-demand renewable energy and clean fuels platform, focusing on delivering 24/7 carbon-free heat and power at utility scale to decarbonize the grid and support green fuels production [7].