ACCIONA Energía Signs Renewable PPA With The Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership

The long-term agreement will provide 68GWh of renewable electricity to a consortium formed by three major companies managing local water, health and transport services in Victoria, Australia

ACCIONA Energía has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply 68GWh/yr of 100% renewable electricity to the Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership (BREP).

The Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership was established between Barwon Water, Barwon Health and the GeelongPort, the three major companies managing local water, health and transport services in Victoria, Australia, with the goal to facilitate the collective purchase of renewable energy and thus, reduce their emissions.

The 10-year PPA will commence on 1 December 2022 and run to 2032. The electricity supplied will come from the Mt Gellibrand wind farm in southwest Victoria. With a capacity of 132 MW, this wind farm produces enough clean energy to power around 90,000 Australian homes.

“This agreement is another step towards delivering on the Victorian Government’s Climate Change Strategy and an example of how major businesses can successfully decarbonize their energy use and reduce their power bills,” said ACCIONA Energía’s Director of Energy Markets and Policy Melanie Sutton. “We’re really proud of this deal and how we’re linking renewable energy generated here in Victoria to power local businesses and help them reach their decarbonization goals.,” added Ms Sutton. 

The signing of the PPA was commemorated at ACCIONA Energia’s Mt Gellibrand wind farm with all parties to the Partnership in attendance.

Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter said she was thrilled to be working with Barwon Health and GeelongPort to support the region’s transition to renewable energy.

“As a group we are really pleased to be entering into a long-term arrangement for the supply of renewable energy from a windfarm local to the region.

Barwon Health Chief Executive Frances Diver said it was an exciting and innovative project that would help Barwon Health meet emission reduction targets and demonstrate the benefits of regional collaboration across the public sector.

“Like all hospitals and health services, we consume a large amount of energy. Participating in the BREP project will see us significantly reduce our carbon footprint from energy use and join Barwon Water and GeelongPort in leading the region’s transition to renewable energy.

GeelongPort Chief Executive Officer Brett Winter said investing in clean energy opportunities was essential for tackling climate change and GeelongPort was excited to be partnering with leading organisations such as Barwon Water and Barwon Health to support the development of renewable energy facilities in our region.

“GeelongPort was the first port in Australia to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for our business operations.