Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Lightsource bp to source renewable energy from the Goulburn River solar farm. The agreement forms part of NCIG’s plan to achieve Net Zero operational emissions by 2030 and will ensure that the company’s Kooragang Island facility is powered entirely by renewable energy from that date.
Once operational, the the 585 MWdc Goulburn River solar farm, located between Wollar and Merriwa in the Upper Hunter Region of New South Wales, will contribute to the local energy grid while supporting NCIG’s emissions reduction commitments.
“The commencement of construction on the Goulburn River solar farm by Lightsource bp marks a significant milestone for NCIG,” said NCIG CEO Aaron Johansen. “Not only will this PPA supply our facility with reliable, cost-effective renewable energy, but it also strengthens our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region.”
The solar farm will include a battery energy storage system (BESS) designed to manage energy supply during night-time demand peaks. The project will also feature operation and maintenance buildings, a temporary onsite workers’ accommodation camp, and electrical infrastructure connecting it to the grid. Lightsource bp will oversee construction and ongoing operation of the facility.
Over the 27-month construction period, the project will provide up to 350 jobs. Once fully operational, it is projected to generate approximately 1,309,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, meeting 4% of New South Wales’ electricity demand at peak output. This equates to powering around 225,000 homes and offsetting approximately 910,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
“We are proud to be partnering with Lightsource bp on this exciting project. Their expertise in renewable energy, combined with the shared vision for sustainability, has been instrumental in getting us to this point,” Johansen continued. “This PPA not only secures long-term pricing for our energy needs but also paves the way for other businesses in the region to make similar commitments toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
NCIG has outlined a Net Zero Transition Plan, which includes reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions through initiatives such as fleet electrification and employee-led energy management efforts. The company acknowledges that while coal remains a part of the global energy mix, a shift to cleaner energy sources is necessary. The PPA with Lightsource bp represents a key element of NCIG’s commitment to reducing its direct emissions and supporting broader decarbonisation efforts in Australia.
