In a significant move for Australia’s renewable energy sector, SmartestEnergy Australia has announced a major power purchase agreement (PPA) with Neoen.
The agreement covers 50 per cent of the energy output from Neoen’s Culcairn Solar Farm, currently under construction in New South Wales.
The Culcairn Solar Farm, situated on Wiradjuri country in the Riverina region, boasts an impressive capacity of 440 MWp / 350 MW AC.
This substantial project is on track to become operational by 2026, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s transition to clean energy.
SmartestEnergy, an independent renewable energy company, has committed to a four-year contract with Neoen.
This agreement will enable SmartestEnergy to enhance its renewable energy offerings to commercial and industrial customers in New South Wales, helping the nation progress towards its net-zero goal.
Robert Owens, CEO of SmartestEnergy Australia, emphasised the strategic importance of this partnership: “This agreement with Neoen underscores our purpose in the market to support the renewable transition. By partnering with Neoen, we continue to provide renewable energy solutions for our customers, and we can play our part in ensuring that the transition in Australia keeps pace.”
Jean-Christophe Cheylus, CEO of Neoen Australia, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are delighted to sign our first PPA with SmartestEnergy, and we sincerely thank them for placing their trust in us.
“Construction of Culcairn Solar Farm is progressing well, and we are looking forward to the major contribution the project will play in powering businesses as well as supporting NSW’s rapid energy transition.”
The Culcairn Solar Farm is expected to yield significant environmental benefits, potentially displacing approximately 648,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
This reduction is equivalent to removing around 217,000 cars from the road.
From an economic perspective, the project is creating substantial employment opportunities.
Currently, 300 construction workers are on-site, with the workforce expected to peak at 400 in the coming months.
Once operational, the solar farm will create seven permanent positions and generate enough energy to power 160,000 homes.
In addition to its environmental and economic contributions, the Culcairn Solar Farm project includes a significant community benefit-sharing program.
A total of $10 million will be delivered over the asset’s lifetime, further underlining the project’s commitment to local development.
This landmark agreement between SmartestEnergy and Neoen represents a significant step forward in Australia’s renewable energy landscape, promising to accelerate the nation’s transition to clean energy while delivering substantial benefits to local communities and the environment.