Australia’s biggest solar farm inks “significant” power purchase deal

The New England solar farm, which shares equal billing as the biggest operating solar project in Australia – for now – has locked in a new renewables supply contract, in a deal with commercial and industrial electricity retailer SmartestEnergy.

SmartestEnergy said on Thursday that the “significant long-term” power purchase agreement (PPA) will see it source electricity from the 400MW stage 1 of the New England solar farm to onsell to its customers.

The solar farm, being developed by Acen Australia near Uralla in New South Wales, stands to be the biggest operating solar plant in Australia when its full capacity of 720 MW across two stages is complete.

For the moment, however, it has only completed the first 400 MW stage and so has to share top billing with Neoen Australia’s Western Downs solar farm in Queensland.

The project reached peak output for the first time late last year and shares its location with more than 2,000 merino sheep, a number that is expected to triple over the course of this year.

Acen Australia managing director David Pollington says PPAs like that signed with SmartestEnergy are vital to bringing more renewables projects to life and supporting regional communities.

“Our New England Solar project is being built with the support of the Anaiwan First Nations people who have been a part of the project since the beginning,” Pollington said in a statement on Thursday.

“The relationship has evolved into a model that is providing meaningful opportunities for First Nations to participate in and share in the benefits that Australia’s growing renewable energy industry offers.

“Equally, this relationship has given ACEN Australia the opportunity to improve our knowledge and understanding of history, culture and achievements, working towards our shared commitment to contribute to reconciliation in Australia,” he said.

“ACEN’s approach sets a high standard, showcasing how involving local communities from the outset not only enriches renewable projects but also contributes to a more inclusive and prosperous net zero future for all,” said SmartestEenergy CEO Robert Owens in a statement on Thursday.

Acen is involved in a number of other projects around Australia, including the 420 MW Stubbo solar farm in NSW, the Wooroora Station Wind Farm in northern Queensland.

At full capacity, the 720 MW New England solar farm is expected to generate clean renewable energy to power around 300,000 average Australian homes.