Wind deal pushes Barwon Water, Barwon Health, GeelongPort closer to net zero
Three of G21’s largest organisations are a step closer to using 100 per cent renewable electricity and producing net zero emissions with a new power purchase agreement with the Mount Gellibrand windfarm near Birregurra.
The 10-year deal with the Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership will see electricity produced at the farm sent to the grid, offsetting the energy used by Barwon Water, Barwon Health and GeelongPort.
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.
“Barwon Health and GeelongPort play such significant roles in our region and we’re proud to partner with them to enter into a long-term arrangement for the supply of renewable energy from a local provider.
“This project is the final step to meet Barwon Water’s target of using 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025, and a huge step towards Barwon Water’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. It is really exciting in terms of action on climate change, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work that has been done to get us there.”
Ms Slatter said that previously, more than 80 per cent of Barwon Water’s emissions came from the use of electricity sourced from the grid.
“The turbines at Mount Gellibrand Wind Farm will deliver Barwon Water 45 gigawatt-hours a year of renewable electricity – more than 100% of our total electricity needs in an ‘average year’ (and 75% in a very dry year).
“It will complement our existing on-site/behind-the-meter generation (such as the 3 megawatt Black Rock Solar Farm) and the Zero Emissions Water Power Purchase Agreement with Kiamal Solar Farm.”
Ms Slatter said the project would help contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy and emissions reduction targets and contribute to creating new jobs and further developing the renewable energy sector.
