Construction has begun on the first two regional solar farms in Hay and Moama as part of Barangaroo’s ambitious sustainability plan, marking a significant milestone in the precinct’s commitment to long-term carbon neutrality.
The Hay and Moama Solar Farms are the initial projects in a series of at least four regional solar installations to be delivered through the NSW government’s $45 million green energy initiative.
This groundbreaking 25-year agreement, the first of its kind, aims to offset carbon emissions at Barangaroo well into the future.
This development not only reinforces Barangaroo’s position as a leader in sustainable urban development but also provides substantial economic benefits to regional NSW.
The project is expected to generate approximately $20 million in construction activity and create around 130 jobs during the building phase, with additional ongoing employment opportunities once operational.
Tom Gellibrand, Infrastructure NSW Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating: “Barangaroo is Australia’s first mixed-use carbon neutral precinct and continues to lead the way in sustainability through a range of initiatives across the precinct.”
The agreement, made with Australian-owned renewable energy company CleanPeak Energy, ensures a consistent and predictable price for green power, unlike previous market-based purchases.
Funding for this initiative comes from levies collected from Barangaroo’s tenants under the Barangaroo Estate Levy.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper highlighted the broader impact of this initiative: “This long-term sustainability initiative is the first of its kind and will provide a $20 million boost in construction activity for regional NSW and around 130 local jobs through construction with additional jobs during operation.”
The construction of the Hay and Moama solar farms is expected to take approximately six months, with two additional solar farms slated for completion in 2025.
This Green Product Purchase Agreement is the latest in a series of sustainability initiatives at Barangaroo, which include on-site solar systems, a state-of-the-art recycled water plant, and the rollout of up to 200 electric vehicle charging stations across the precinct.
Barangaroo’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy production.
The precinct has implemented innovative waste management solutions, such as a fly larvae farm processing food waste, and has transitioned outdoor heating in residential buildings from gas to renewable electricity.
Earlier this year, Barangaroo Precinct secured its fifth consecutive carbon-neutral certification from the Commonwealth Government’s Climate Active program, further solidifying its status as a world-class example of sustainability and climate-positive design.
As construction begins on these solar farms, Barangaroo continues to set new standards in urban sustainability, demonstrating that large-scale carbon neutrality is not only possible but economically beneficial and environmentally crucial.