UTS secures blended solar and wind PPA linked to traceable NSW renewables

To achieve its goal, the agreement with Flow Power will provide a blend of renewable electricity from two projects in New South Wales that closely align with University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) energy load profile on an annualised basis.

Setting a new standard for Australian university power purchase agreements (PPAs), this unique agreement provides a virtual link to specific, traceable renewable projects, as opposed to an aggregated mix of renewables from unspecified sources.

Under the agreement, UTS will procure clean electricity from both New England Solar Farm and Gullen Range Wind Farm, to power its Sydney campus facilities.

UTS has committed to purchasing 60,000 MWh from ACEN Australia’s New England Solar. The project’s 400 MW stage 1 has the capacity to power an estimated 185,000 homes a year, and has attracted strong local community support, delivering more than $500,000 in community grants, with $7 million to be invested through ACEN’s Social Investment Program. An additional 1.5% of the project’s value has been committed to First Nations’ participation and employment.

“This agreement reflects the growing momentum behind corporate and institutional demand for clean energy.” said David Pollington, Managing Director, ACEN Australia.

“By partnering with Flow Power and UTS, we’re not only delivering reliable renewable supply, but also supporting innovation and leadership in Australia’s energy transition. It’s a clear example of how collaboration across sectors can accelerate decarbonisation at scale.”

The solar energy from New England will be paired with the purchase of 25,000 MWh of wind energy from Gullen Range Wind Farm. The project features 73 turbines across 22km of land, capable of producing 165.5 MW of renewable energy in ideal wind conditions. Each day, it generates enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 70,000 homes.

Furthering UTS’ commitment to sustainability, the agreement includes the purchase of Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) created by the two projects, which ensure that every megawatt hour claimed as renewable is directly linked to measurable, independently verified generation.

“UTS has long been a leader in clean energy and sustainability. We were the first university in Australia to complete a power purchase agreement with a solar farm back in 2015 and an early adopter of on-site solar installations,” said Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Parfitt.

“Now, we’re taking the next step on our journey towards becoming the first Australian university to be climate positive by signing this renewable energy agreement.”

“Through this deal, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but also delivering cost savings that can be reinvested in our core mission of education and research at a time when every dollar counts.”

Informed by RACE for 2030’s Green Wave research project, the agreement will build upon UTS’ commitment to achieve net zero and become climate positive by 2029. The climate positive framework aims to deliver carbon efficiency beyond net zero, to move towards climate repair.

In 2019, UTS became the first Australian university to sign a Climate Emergency Declaration, in recognition of its responsibility to equip current and future leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs with the knowledge to solve shared global challenges.

“This agreement showcases UTS as a leader in sustainability for Australian universities,” said Sarah Cork, Flow Power Wholesale and Renewables Product Manager. “The university isn’t just buying renewable energy. It’s helping redefine the model for how the education sector can meaningfully contribute to Australia’s energy transition.”

“By connecting customers, like UTS, to Flow Power’s portfolio of owned and affiliated renewable projects, we can drive the uptake of renewable energy to deliver impactful environmental, financial and community benefits.”