Electricity retailer Flow Power has inked a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for three united councils on NSW’s south coast.
Using their economy of scale to engage Flow Power, the Shoalhaven, Kiama and Shellharbour Councils joined forces to ensure value and energy resilience/security for their constituents.
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The deal will anchor the development of at least two renewable energy projects (over 8MWp of solar across two sites) on unused council land, delivering employment opportunities and supporting local industry, while creating more clean energy generators in these important regional centres.
Under the agreement the councils will purchase renewable electricity from wind and solar farms in regional NSW to cover the operation of their large facilities including pools, administration buildings, street lighting and treatment plants from January 1, 2023. The arrangements will see renewable energy added to the grid on behalf of the councils, offsetting their energy use.
Flow Power General Manager of Energy Solutions Jacob Mahoney said, “This energy deal delivers on our collective mission to create a renewable energy future, together with people and communities. The ability to choose your generators is key to bringing more renewables online and we are privileged to be able to make that happen for these councils.”
By securing a PPA with Flow Power the Councils are expected to unlock further value from assets such as their water treatment facilities and controllable energy usage to help manage costs, improve local grid stability, and encourage more renewable development by concentrating their energy use during times of high renewable generation.
The renewable energy will initially be purchased from the Sapphire Wind Farm near Glenn Innes in northern NSW, and the Bomen and Cootamundra Solar Farms in the Riverina for the next eight years. The Bomen Solar Farm will be used as a renewable energy bridge until the local renewable projects are completed and suppling energy to the grid.
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Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said, “Our increased commitment to renewable energy will see Shoalhaven Council cut net carbon emissions by around 15,000 tonnes a year from 2025 and help us achieve our sustainability commitments.
“The construction of two new regional solar farms with Flow Power will also provide local employment and educational opportunities for the community.”
