Three NSW councils join forces to source wind and solar power

sapphire wind farm
Sapphire wind farm in northern NSW. Credit: CWP.

Australia electricity retailer Flow Power announced on Wednesday that it will supply wind and solar power to three councils located on the New South Wales south coast, Shoalhaven, Kiama, and Shellharbour.

The renewable power – sourced from wind and solar farms across the state – will be used to cover the operation of council facilities including pools, administration buildings, street lighting, and treatment plants.

The PPA will take effect from January 1, 2023, and includes output from the Sapphire wind farm located near Glen Innes and the Bomen and Cootamundra solar farms in the Riverina.

The PPA will also serve to help anchor the development of at least two solar projects. According to Flow Power, over 8MW of solar power will be built across two sites on unused council land.

“This energy deal delivers on our collective mission to create a renewable energy future, together with people and communities,” said Jacob Mahoney, general manager of energy solutions at Flow Power.

“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 these councils.”

Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.

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