Origin to supply Sydney Airport with renewable energy

Origin Energy will supply up to 75 per cent of Sydney Airport’s electricity with wind power in an innovative energy agreement that combines renewables with firming generation.

Under the long-term agreement, Sydney Airport will be supplied with wind power from the Crudine Ridge Wind Farm contracted through Origin, with Origin to provide firming generation when the wind is not blowing enough to meet the airport’s load.

The 37-turbine, 135MW wind farm, located 45km south of Mudgee in NSW, commenced construction earlier this year and is expected to be fully operational by late 2019.

Origin Energy executive general manager energy supply and operations Greg Jarvis said there was growing interest from customers for renewable energy solutions.

“Renewable energy in Australia is rapidly growing in scale and Origin is enabling our customers to source energy with direct line of sight to wind and solar facilities,” Mr Jarvis said.

“When Sydney Airport approached us wanting a cost-effective way to meet their energy needs and reduce emissions, we developed an innovative agreement where we contract the wind and bundle it with firming energy in an all-in-one package.

“Sydney is Australia’s busiest airport, operating around the clock – the combination of wind and firming is perfect to meet their load and help them transition to cleaner energy supply.”

Origin has committed to 1200MW of new renewable supply since March 2016 and can provide energy from any of these wind or solar farms or assist in procuring and firming energy outside this portfolio.

Earlier this year, Origin signed a landmark agreement with the University of NSW to provide firming generation to complement the university’s offtake agreement with Sunraysia Solar Farm and was seeing growing interest from customers wanting more sustainable energy combined with the assurance of firming energy and expert portfolio management.

“Origin is proud to be helping our customers develop energy procurement strategies to enhance their sustainability aspirations,” Mr Jarvis said.

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