SmartestEnergy—an independent energy retailer—has secured a contract for half of the production from a 350-MW/440-MWp solar farm in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. This solar farm was developed and owned by the French renewable energy company, Neoen SA.
Neoen Signs PPA with SmartestEnergy for Culcairn Solar Farm
Neoen, a global leader in renewable energy production has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SmartestEnergy. The agreement covers 50% of the energy generated by Neoen’s 440 MWp / 350 MW AC Culcairn Solar Farm in New South Wales (NSW). SmartestEnergy supplies renewable electricity to businesses across the National Energy Market (NEM).
The Culcairn project, currently under construction in Wiradjuri country within the Riverina region is set to be completed by 2026. It will be Neoen's second-largest solar farm worldwide, following the 460-MWp solar farm at the Western Downs Green Power Hub in Queensland.
Neoen was also awarded a Long-Term Energy Services Agreement (LTESA) through tenders by AEMO Services under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. This initiative aims to help the state reach its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The LTESA allows energy producers to sell electricity at an agreed minimum fixed price, complementing the PPA structure.
“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,” said Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Neoen’s CEO.
Culcairn Solar Farm to Power 160,000 Homes and Create Jobs
The solar farm is projected to generate enough energy to power 160,000 homes — more than twice the number of households in the Riverina region of NSW. It will provide a strong economic boost to the area with over 400 construction jobs expected and 7 permanent roles once operational. As a long-term owner and operator, Neoen is committed to sharing value with the local community through a benefit program totalling AUD 10 million over the project's lifetime.
Culcairn Solar Farm
This includes an annual Community Benefit Fund for local initiatives and contributions to the Greater Hume Shire Council. The solar farm will also feature agrisolar with sheep grazing integrated into the site.
“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.” said Robert Owens, SmartestEnergy Australia’s CEO.
Neoen Boosts Australian Portfolio by 25% with Culcairn Solar Farm
The Culcairn Solar Farm highlights a year of significant growth for Neoen which has expanded its Australian portfolio by 25%, reaching a total of 3.75 GW in operation or under construction. In New South Wales, Neoen is developing a multi-GW pipeline of wind, solar and grid-scale battery storage projects. These projects are expected to be crucial in achieving Neoen’s goal of 10 GW of capacity in Australia by 2030.
“I would like to thank the Neoen, Bouygues and Transgrid teams for their hard work and dedication as well as our host landowner families for their continued trust. Culcairn is an essential project for Neoen in NSW and Australia and we are proud to have been awarded an LTESA contract. We have developed a strong pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects in NSW designed to help accelerate the State’s energy transition, as it moves towards halving emissions by 2030.” said Louis de Sambucy, Neoen Australia’s CEO.
“It’s exciting to be announcing the start of construction of Culcairn Solar Farm as it is a key milestone for us, demonstrating once more that Neoen is the fastest-growing renewable energy company in Australia. We are delighted to be collaborating again with Bouygues Australia, a trustworthy partner who already has delivered major projects for Neoen. More than ever, we are proud to be making a powerful contribution to accelerating the pace of the energy transition in Australia and around the globe.” said Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Chairman and CEO.