NSW school signs landmark renewable PPA

PPA

A private girls’ school in New South Wales has signed a landmark corporate renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with energy retailer Flow Power, aiming to be powered by at least 90 per cent renewable energy.

This will be achieved through a combination of wind and solar power in real time, calculated at 30-minute intervals, allowing Ascham School to control and optimise its use of renewable power.

The agreement will see Ascham School become the first school in NSW to enter a deal of this kind, providing them with an expected long-term reduction in costs.

The deal will help Ascham School achieve its ambitious sustainability targets, contribute to a lower carbon economy and reduce overall emissions, as well as offsetting grid electricity consumption.

Related article: Flow Power to contract 50 MW of Sapphire Wind Farm

Ascham School’s business manager Candice Heapes said the decision was brought on when last year the school felt pressured by another provider into accepting significantly higher energy retail prices when its three-year agreement with them ended.

“This, along with our growing focus on sustainability as part of our strategic plan, spurred us on to look at alternative options and sources of energy,” Mrs Heapes said.

“At Ascham, the whole school is committed to sustainable actions, so drawing energy from wind and solar farms is a terrific step in greening our future.”

Flow Power first introduced corporate renewable PPAs to the Australian market in 2017 and now counts Olam Orchards, ANCA Machines and Burra Foods as customers.

Flow Power managing director Matthew van der Linden said the education sector is uniquely placed to benefit from Corporate Renewable PPAs, due to the longevity of its schools and of the PPAs themselves.

Related article: Flow Power adds Lakeland to renewable portfolio

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