Neoen has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SmartestEnergy for 50% of the output from its 440MW Culcairn solar farm in Australia.
The four-year contract, commencing in late 2026, will enable SmartestEnergy to meet the growing demand for renewable energy supplies from commercial and industrial businesses in New South Wales.
Culcairn solar farm, located on Wiradjuri country in the Riverina region of New South Wales, is under construction and on track to be operational in 2026.
As a complement to this PPA, the project also has a Long-Term Energy Services Agreement (LTESA) through the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Services’ tenders under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
This type of agreement provides energy producers with the option to sell their electricity at an agreed minimum fixed price.
Developed and owned by Neoen, it is the company’s second largest solar farm worldwide, after the 460MW array at Western Downs Green Power Hub, already in operation in Queensland, Australia.
Neoen Australia’s chief executive Jean-Christophe Cheylus 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.”
SmartestEnergy Australia’s chief executive Robert Owens added: “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.”