Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct has secured a completely net-zero operation for decades to come with the completion of the Carawatha Solar Farm in the NSW Riverina.
The solar farm is the fourth and final regional solar facility built to support the precinct. All four solar farms are now fully operational, underpinning a first-of-its-kind, 25-year Green Product Purchase Agreement (GPPA) with CleanPeak Energy.
Valued as one of the largest long-term renewable energy procurement deals in New South Wales’ history, the agreement guarantees renewable energy certificates for Barangaroo at a fixed, affordable rate through to 2050. This centrally managed structure eliminates exposure to volatile market prices for individual tenants.
Combined with sister sites at Hay, Moama, and Uranquinty, the four solar farms will inject roughly 55,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy into the NSW grid annually, the equivalent of powering 10,000 homes.
The AU$48 million project is funded entirely by Barangaroo residents and businesses, delivering a massive sustainability win at no cost to taxpayers.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper lauded the history-making procurement deal as a blueprint for future urban developments.
“By locking in renewable energy certificates through to 2050, we can provide certainty to operate 100 per cent carbon neutral into the future,” Kamper said.
“Aligned with the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, this agreement helps deliver new renewable generation capacity in NSW, strengthening the electricity network and supporting reliability as we transition the energy system.
“It’s a practical way to help keep the lights on while driving down emissions.”
The initiative has also provided a major economic boost to regional NSW, supporting approximately 260 construction jobs and generating a AU$20 million stimulus injection at each of the four regional sites.
CleanPeak Energy CEO Philip Graham noted that at full capacity, the solar network will avoid more than 40,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The landmark achievement coincides with Barangaroo tracking toward its tenth consecutive year of Carbon Neutral certification under the federal government’s Climate Active program.