Geelong’s major services are reducing their emissions and cutting energy costs with a new agreement to run off 100 per cent renewable electricity from a local wind farm.
This agreement is supported by the Andrews Labor Government’s ambitious target to power all Victorian government operations with renewable energy by 2025 as well as reducing the state’s emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.
Barwon Water, Barwon Health and Geelong Port have finalised their renewable Power Purchase Agreement and will begin powering their operations with renewable electricity from Mount Gellibrand Wind Farm from 1 December.
The wind farm, located between Geelong and Colac, will provide the organisations with about 68 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity each year, enough to power the equivalent of 14,000 homes or remove 24,000 cars off our roads.
This initiative is a major step in reducing carbon emissions and will help each organisation offset rising energy costs, which in turn will help to reduce operating costs.
Victoria’s water corporations are the first in the nation to commit to net zero emissions by 2035 as part of an agreement with the Labor Government. This purchasing agreement with Gellibrand Wind Farm will help Barwon Water achieve this target.
Quote attributable to Minister Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
“Renewable energy agreements like this are key to driving down our emissions and meeting our ambitious target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing
“The water sector is tackling climate change by investing in renewable energy which is helping meet their 2035 target for net zero.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“This innovative project will help Barwon Health meet emissions reduction targets and demonstrate the benefits of regional collaboration across the public and private sectors.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“Investing in clean energy opportunities is essential for tackling climate change and it is exciting to see GeelongPort move towards renewables, ensuring a cheaper and more secure power supply into the future.”
Reviewed 25 August 2022