Brisbane Airport Corporation will be powered with 100 per cent renewable energy, as part of a landmark renewable energy agreement with government-owned energy generator Stanwell.
Stanwell will supply up to 185 GWh of renewable energy each year, to enable all of BAC’s operations to run on clean energy, from the runway lights, to the terminals, travellators, escalators, retail shops, administration, IT and electric vehicles.
Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the deal showed how the company, which had historically been known for its coal-fired energy generation, was moving to diversify to support the decarbonisation of one of the hardest to abate sectors.
“From small businesses to big corporates like Brisbane Airport, they all have one thing in common – they want access to low emissions power,” Minister de Brenni said.
“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan sets out a path to bring another 22GW of renewable energy into the system, enabling Brisbane Airport to help travellers reduce their carbon footprint.
“The Palaszczuk Government will invest $4.5 billion into its government-owned energy companies to build and own more renewable energy, storage and hydrogen projects, in partnership with carbon conscious consumers.”
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said it marked a major milestone towards cutting energy emissions in the sunshine state by 90 per cent by 2035.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan is the most ambitious action on climate change and renewables in Queensland’s history,” Minister Scanlon said.
“And what we’re seeing is businesses right across the state keen to take their own action and match our ambitions.
“This announcement shows the transformation of our coal-fired power stations to clean energy hubs is already reaping dividends in providing cheaper, renewable energy across Queensland.”
Brisbane Airport Corporation is Australia’s first airport operator to announce it will be powered by 100 per cent green energy by 2025.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Chief Executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the deal would mean BAC could meet its net zero emissions commitment by 2025, 25 years earlier than planned.
“We welcome this deal with Stanwell and are proud to be customer number one in its renewable energy pipeline,” Mr de Graaff said.
“This clean energy deal delivers on Brisbane Airport Corporation’s commitment to be a sustainable world leading airport city.
“Queenslanders can travel through our terminals knowing their journey begins and ends at one of the world’s most sustainable airports once this green energy begins flowing from regional Queensland.”
Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke, said Stanwell was proud to be supporting Brisbane Airport Corporation accelerate its net zero target by 2025 through its retail arm Stanwell Energy.
“This is the first of many renewable energy options Stanwell Energy will be offering to support our commercial and industrial customers meet their decarbonisation requirements,” Mr O’Rouke said.
“Stanwell Energy is unique in its approach when it comes to its service offering. Our dedicated account managers are able to work with customers to develop tailored energy contracts that provide flexibility, security, and access to renewable options.
“We are diversifying our generation portfolio in response to evolving market and consumer expectations to include renewable and low emission energy sources.
The partnership with Brisbane Airport Corporation will source renewable energy from the Clarke Creek Wind Farm and Blue Grass Solar projects.
