Renewable energy from wind and solar farms in regional New South Wales is set to support Shoalhaven, Kiama and Shellharbour Councils and contribute renewable energy to the grid thanks to a new energy agreement.
The three councils joined forces with innovative energy retailer Flow Power for the new agreement.
Under the agreement, the Councils will be able to purchase renewable electricity from wind and solar farms in regional New South Wales to cover the operation of their large facilities including pools, administration buildings, street lighting and treatment plants from 1 January 2023.
The arrangements will see renewable energy added to the grid on behalf of the Councils, offsetting their energy use.
This deal will anchor the development of at least two renewable energy projects on unused council land, delivering jobs and supporting local industry, while creating clean energy generators in these important regional centres.
Councils would also be able to get more value from their assets such as their water treatment facilities and control energy usage to manage costs, improve local grid stability and encourage more renewables to connect by diverting more energy use to times of high renewable generation.
The renewable energy will initially be purchased from the Sapphire Wind Farm near Glenn Innes in northern New South Wales, and the Bomen and Cootamundra Solar Farms in the Riverina for the next eight years. The Bomen Solar Farm will be used as a renewable energy bridge until the local renewable projects are completed and supplying energy to the grid.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley, said, “Our increased commitment to renewable energy will see Shoalhaven Council cut net carbon emissions by around 15,000 tonnes a year from 2025 and help us achieve our sustainability commitments.
“The construction of two new regional solar farms with Flow Power will also provide local employment and educational opportunities for the community.”
Kiama Council Mayor, Neil Reilly, said it was an important step forward for Kiama Council, the residents and ratepayers in realising a sustainable future for their community
“This power deal is a major part of our Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan, which commits Council to reaching net zero by 2031,” Mayor Reilly said.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor, Chris Homer, said, “It’s fantastic to collaborate with my neighbouring Councils to further expedite the commitments of Shellharbour City Council in achieving our net zero targets and I look forward to a future of renewable energy.”
Flow Power General Manager of Energy Solutions, Jacob Mahoney, said Flow Power is thrilled to be working with Shoalhaven, Kiama and Shellharbour Councils on their renewable energy strategies.
“This energy deal delivers on our collective mission to create a renewable energy future, together with people and communities. The ability to choose your generators is key to bringing more renewables online and we are privileged to be able to make that happen for our customers,” Mr Mahoney said.
Featured image: (Left to right): Mayor of Shellharbour City Council Councillor Chris Homer, Mayor of Kiama Municipal Council Councillor Neil Reilly, Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council Councillor Amanda Findley and Flow Power General Manager Energy Solutions Jacob Mahoney. Image: courtesy of Shoalhaven Council.
