The New South Wales government has launched a new initiative to help businesses and local councils in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) save money and contribute to net zero targets.
The Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) has partnered with the Business Renewables Centre Australia (BRC-A) to educate organisations on purchasing electricity directly from renewable energy generators.
This program aims to unlock the potential of renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs), which provide long-term access to reliable renewable energy supplies.
Information sessions have already begun in the Central-West Orana REZ, with plans to expand to the Hunter-Central Coast and New England REZs in the coming months.
Participants will benefit from workshops designed to provide insights into the financial and environmental advantages of PPAs, the intricacies of the PPA process, and strategies for securing suitable agreements.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to transform NSW’s electricity system into one that is affordable, clean, and reliable.
Alexandra Hall, EnergyCo’s Community Benefits and Regional Development Director, emphasised the benefits of PPAs: “Power purchase agreements are a great way for local councils and businesses to lock in energy price stability, save money and source more electricity directly from renewables. They’re good for these organisations, they’re good for local employment and investment, and they’re good for the environment.”
Jackie McKeon, Business Renewables Centre Australia Program Director, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “The Business Renewables Council is thrilled to be working with EnergyCo to raise the literacy level about power purchase agreements for organisations around NSW.
“Through our years of experience supporting some of Australia’s most high-profile companies and councils, we understand how our PPA training can empower participants to think differently about their energy options.”
This program aligns with NSW’s ongoing renewable energy boom.
Over the past five years, the share of wind and solar in the state’s electricity generation mix has more than tripled.
Currently, NSW has approximately 13,500 megawatts of renewable energy generation capacity, accounting for about 53 per cent of total generation capacity.
The state’s renewable energy landscape includes:
- Nearly 800,000 households and small businesses with small-scale solar installations
- 16 major wind farms with a total capacity exceeding 1800 MW
- 24 major large-scale solar farms with a combined capacity of over 1900 MW
- Almost 200 large-scale renewable energy projects in the planning system, representing nearly $50 billion in potential investment
Businesses and councils within the Hunter-Central Coast and New England regions are encouraged to register their interest in the program at energyco.nsw.gov.au/ppa-education.
