Iberdrola Australia, the Australian subsidiary of global utility leader Iberdrola, has signed solar PPAs with 13 regional councils in New South Wales. These agreements will allow the councils to source a portion of their energy from a large-scale solar PV power plant.
Iberdrola to Supply 390 GWh of Renewable Energy to Councils
Under the solar PPA, Iberdrola Australia will supply the 13 councils with over 390 GWh of renewable energy generated by the 245 MW Avonlie solar PV project, alongside its Capital and Bodangora wind farms.
The Regional Councils NSW solar PPA initiative was coordinated by the Hunter Joint Organisation and the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation. The project was supported by advisors Sourced Energy, Regional Procurement, Procure Group, and Baker Mackenzie, and received financial backing from the New South Wales government.
Solar PPA to Power 163 Council Sites Across NSW
The solar PPA will supply energy to 163 large council sites and street lighting, with several participants—including Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, and Bellingen—opting to source 100% renewable energy through the agreement.
By choosing 100% renewable energy, Bellingen Shire Council will avoid an estimated 5,705 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (t/CO2e) over the six-year agreement—a reduction comparable to the emissions from 396 cars over the same period.
Other participating councils include Upper Hunter, Singleton, Port Stephens, Leeton, Edward River, and Murray River. Each of the agreements spans six years, concluding in 2030.
“This significant milestone will help our Council meet its 2030 emission reduction target five years ahead of schedule. By securing 100% renewable electricity, we are not only achieving environmental goals but also ensuring budget stability through to 2030. This accomplishment showcases what councils can achieve through collaboration, and we extend our gratitude to the Hunter Joint Organisation, Mid North Coast Joint Organisation, and our advisory team for their support in making this possible,” said Mark Griffioen, Council’s General Manager.
Iberdrola’s Avonlie Solar Farm Generates 500 GWh Annually
Iberdrola Australia purchased the 245 MW Avonlie solar PV project from developer RES in 2021, beginning construction the same year. The project became operational in 2022 and now generates approximately 500 GWh of renewable energy annually.
More recently, Iberdrola Australia began construction on a 376 MW solar-plus-storage project in Queensland, featuring a planned 180 MW/260 MWh co-located battery energy storage system (BESS).
