Geelong-based organisations Barwon Water, Barwon Health and GeelongPort have formed a collective, the Barwon Region Renewable Energy Project (BRREP), aiming to move to 100 per cent renewable electricity and zero net emissions.
The BRREP is soon to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) from renewable energy project developers for provision of 68GWh a year of renewable electricity via a virtual Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The collective is seeking competitive offers to enter into a ten-year virtual PPA with a wind energy facility generating electricity into the grid, preferably in South-West Victoria.
Barwon Water Managing Director, Tracey Slatter, said the collective was being proactive by leading and investing together to attain the best deal and support the region’s transition to renewable energy.
“As a group we are looking forward to receiving proposals from existing and new wind energy developments and entering into a long-term arrangement with a project that will help contribute to Victoria’s renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, and contribute to creating new jobs and further developing the renewable energy sector,” Ms Slatter said.
“This initiative will be a major step in reducing carbon emissions and will help each of the participating organisations offset rising energy costs, which in turn will help to reduce operating costs.”
GeelongPort Chief Executive Officer, Brett Winter, said investing in clean energy opportunities was essential for tackling climate change and GeelongPort was excited to be partnering with leading organisations such as Barwon Water and Barwon Health to support the development of renewable energy facilities in our region.
Barwon Health Chief Executive, Frances Diver, said it was an exciting and innovative project that would help Barwon Health meet emission reduction targets and demonstrate the benefits of regional collaboration across the public sector.
The PPA is proposed to operate from late-2022 through to 2032.
The RFP will be available online at Buying for Victoria (https://www.buyingfor.vic.gov.au/browse-tenders) in August. An information session will be held a couple of weeks later to provide further information.
