• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to offtake renewable electricity generated from Stage 1 of ACEN Australia’s New England Solar project in NSW
  • The eight-year agreement provides SmartestEnergy with an offtake of 25% of the output of the 400 MW Stage 1 project
  • Through the partnership, electricity consumption can be reduced that could otherwise be sourced at a higher emissions intensity

12 March 2024, NSW, Australia – ACEN, through its wholly owned subsidiary, ACEN Australia, and SmartestEnergy have signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to offtake renewable electricity generated from Stage 1 of ACEN Australia’s New England Solar project in NSW.

The eight-year agreement provides SmartestEnergy with an offtake of 25% of the output of the 400 MW Stage 1 project, reducing the need for electricity that could otherwise be sourced at a higher emissions intensity.

ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said the agreement is another milestone for the company’s inaugural project which stands as a major contributor to the National Electricity Market (NEM). “We have a bold strategy to help Australia transition to a clean energy future, and we are excited by this first offtake with SmartestEnergy, enabling us to bring more renewable energy projects to life and clean electricity for Australian homes and businesses.”

New England Solar is ACEN Australia’s first operational project, and the 400 MW first stage has been built with the support of host landholders, First Nations people, and the Uralla community. At full development, the 720 MW project will be one of Australia’s largest solar projects participating in the National Electricity Market (NEM), providing clean renewable energy to power around 300,000 average Australian homes.

ACEN Australia is committed to the New England region for decades to come with more than AU$200,000 already invested into the Uralla and surrounding community through the New England Solar Social Investment Program. An additional ~AU$7 million in community funding will be invested over the next 25+ years.

SmartestEnergy Australia CEO Robert Owens said the renewable energy purchased from ACEN will be made available to commercial and industrial customers throughout Australia. “Our goal is to help Australian businesses procure 100% renewable energy to fast-track their net zero journey, and we are very pleased to be able to partner with ACEN who is leading the sustainable energy landscape that integrates community prosperity.”

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