Telstra on track to hit 100% renewable energy target with Bundaberg solar farm partnership

Telstra today announced it has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Global Power Generation (GPG) for a solar far to be constructed near Bundaberg, Queensland.  

The agreement means Telstra is now contracted to enable renewable energy generation equivalent to 100 per cent of its consumption by 2025, one of its three major climate goals.

The project will secure Telstra up to 153 GWh per annum of renewable energy output to the grid, with the total investment value of the project at $130 million.

The PPA project is projected to generate enough renewable energy to power around 30,000 homes, contributing to Australia's efforts to achieve 82% renewable energy by 2030. 

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said partnering to help get more renewable energy projects off the ground is just one of the ways Telstra is working to help decarbonise Australia’s economy. 

“We’re committed to playing our part in building a more sustainable future and providing cleaner energy for Australian homes. Investments like these also help boost regional employment, with this project expected to create over 100 jobs during the 12-18 months construction phase,” said Ms Brady.

Ms Brady said Telstra to date has supported more than $1.2 billion worth of renewable energy projects across Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales to help decarbonise Australia’s electricity grid.

“Once these projects are fully up and running, our share of their renewable energy output will be equivalent to our own electricity consumption,” said Ms Brady.

“We also have a significant focus on reducing our own emissions and working with our customers, business partners and suppliers to support their emissions reduction efforts.”

“As of June this year, we have reduced our combined scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% and our scope 3 emissions by 28%, from a FY19 baseline.”