SmartestEnergy Joins Neoen for NSW Solar Power Project

• Neoen has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SmartestEnergy for 50% of the output from the Culcairn Solar Farm in NSW.

• 4-year PPA starts in late 2026 to support SmartestEnergy’s growing demand for renewable energy in NSW.

Neoen has signed a PPA with SmartestEnergy. This is for 50% of the output from Neoen’s Culcairn Solar Farm in New South Wales (NSW), which has a capacity of 440 MWp / 350 MW AC.

SmartestEnergy, an independent energy retailer for businesses across the National Energy Market (NEM), will use this to grow their renewable energy offerings.

The 4-year contract, starting in late 2026, will help SmartestEnergy meet the growing demand for renewable energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers in NSW. The contract aligns with SmartestEnergy’s current growth strategy to take on new customers and strengthen existing relationships with major corporates.

In addition to the PPA, Culcairn Solar Farm is also backed by a Long-Term Energy Services Agreement (LTESA) through AEMO Services. This is part of the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and allows Neoen to sell electricity at a fixed minimum price, providing financial stability.

Culcairn Solar Farm is located on Wiradjuri country in the Riverina region of NSW and is under construction with an expected operational date in 2026. Once completed, it will be Neoen’s second largest solar farm globally after the 460 MWp solar farm at Western Downs Green Power Hub in Queensland.

The project is currently employing 300 construction workers and will peak at 400. Upon completion, it will create 7 full-time jobs and power 1,60,000 homes. A community benefit-sharing programme of $10 million will be delivered over the life of the asset.

Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Neoen Australia CEO, said: “We are delighted to sign our first PPA with SmartestEnergy, and we sincerely thank them for placing their trust in us. We are looking forward to the major contribution the project will play in powering businesses as well as supporting NSW’s rapid energy transition.”

Robert Owens, SmartestEnergy Australia CEO, said: “This agreement with Neoen underscores our purpose in the market to support the renewable transition. By partnering with Neoen, we continue to provide renewable energy solutions for our customers, and we can play our part in ensuring that the transition in Australia keeps pace.”

Xavier Barbaro, Neoen Chairman and CEO, said: “It is always with great pride that we welcome a new client, and so I’d like to congratulate the Neoen team. It is a clear indication that we are able to deliver competitive projects that provide value to an increasingly diversified customer base. More than ever, Neoen is focused on delivering affordable clean energy to its clients in Australia and around the globe.”

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Source: Neoen