Woolworths Group has made a major power purchase agreement which will cover a third of the business’ energy needs in NSW.
Partnering with CWP Renewables on a 10-year agreement to purchase power generated out of the new Bango wind farm outside Yass, NSW, and will avoid around 158,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
“Going beyond net carbon neutral, we’ve committed to take more carbon out of the atmosphere than we produce by 2050 and our first renewable power purchase is a key milestone in that pursuit,” Woolworths Group director of format Rob McCartney.
“Supermarkets are particularly energy intensive to run and we want to use our scale for good by supporting the transition to renewable electricity.
“To spur the growth of the industry, we’re prioritising renewable energy from new build projects like the Bango wind farm, which also demonstrates the potential of green energy to deliver investment and jobs to regional areas.”
NSW energy minister Matt Kean said he was pleased to see companies and businesses entering the renewable energy market in NSW.
“I am fully supportive of all energy market investment in NSW, but this partnership and agreement is particularly significant because it is prioritising the building of new infrastructure, providing for local jobs and investment and helping us grow our renewable energy base,” said Kean.
Greenpeace’s REenergise campaign director Lindsay Soutar said the power purchase partnership will create over 100 regional jobs and will help Woolies to hit its 100 per cent renewable target for 2025.
“In committing to source its renewable energy from new-build wind and solar power, like the Bango wind farm, Woolworths isn’t just speeding its own transition to one hundred percent renewable electricity – the company is also helping to bring significant amounts of new clean, reliable renewable energy into the system,” said Soutar.
“Renewable energy is already getting the job done, and big supermarkets like Woolworths making big wind power purchases shows that renewables can power even the largest and most complex businesses.”
