Media release: July 18, 2024
New partnerships with Flow Power to source electricity from New England Solar will move iconic Australian organisations closer to renewable energy targets.
Asahi Beverages and BaptistCare have taken significant steps towards their sustainability goals by partnering with Flow Power to source and offset energy from New England Solar, the largest solar project in NSW and equal-largest in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
These agreements with Flow Power, a fast-growing renewable energy retailer, underscore each organisation’s ongoing commitment to meeting their renewable energy targets.
Asahi Beverages, Australia’s leading beverages company, has signed another Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Flow Power, moving closer to its target of having 100% of purchased electricity sourced from or offset by renewables by 2025.
BaptistCare, a leading provider of aged care and community services in NSW, ACT and WA, has also signed two PPAs with Flow Power, one of which is linked to New England Solar commencing in 2025.
The arrangements will see Asahi and BaptistCare purchase an amount of renewable energy that New England Solar will put into the grid, and the equivalent amount consumed by Asahi Beverages and BaptistCare will be recognised as having zero emissions from 2025.
The new partnerships were unveiled today at an onsite event at New England Solar, near Uralla.
Asahi will purchase 30,000 megawatt hours (MWh) annually – the equivalent of powering nearly 4,400 homes in NSW for a year – under this new agreement with Flow Power.
It also means Asahi is now powering production of its iconic drinks such as Great Northern, Victoria Bitter, Schweppes, Cool Ridge water and Solo with energy linked to sunshine harvested in New England.
For BaptistCare, its ten-year solar-and-wind PPA will source an estimated 15,000 MWh annually, allows them to reduce the carbon footprint of their NSW and ACT operations by 70%, and plays a key role in the organisation’s plan to become net zero no later than 2050.
As an organisation that cares for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, BaptistCare is leading the aged care sector in the transition to a renewable energy future, demonstrating their commitment to caring for people and the planet.
Speaking at the event, Asahi Beverages’ Group Head of Sustainability, Kirsten Sturzaker, said: “This deal to harness the New England sun helps provide certainty for securing long-term energy supply for our customers and consumers while benefitting the planet. Victoria Bitter is already brewed with 100% offset solar energy and we look forward to all our brands soon being made in similar ways (with our purchased electricity sourced from or offset by renewables). We have a broad sustainability agenda, from energy to packaging and more, and we raise a glass to the important role New England Solar plays in this.”
Thomas Griffiths, Head of Strategy & Investments for BaptistCare NSW, ACT and WA said, “We are proud to be a part of this partnership and the creation of a just energy transition. We care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and this PPA, paired with other initiatives, is one part of our commitment to caring for people and planet. In addition to sustainability benefits, the project also delivers cost certainty and strong business outcomes, and we encourage others in the sector to actively consider how they can also play a role in accelerating this renewables transition.”
Byron Serjeantson, COO, Flow Power commented: “We are thrilled to be an ongoing part of Asahi and BaptistCare’s journey towards 100% renewable electricity.
“At Flow Power, we are proud to partner with projects that set the industry standard for sustainability and community consultation. So, it’s only fitting that Asahi and BaptistCare will be linking their energy use to New England Solar – a project that has raised the bar for strong community engagement and support, including host landowners and First Nations communities.”
New England Solar, an ACEN Australia project, at full development of 720MW is expected to power an estimated 300,000 homes a year. New England Solar has attracted strong local community support and has already delivered $200,000 in community grants, with $7m to be invested through ACEN’s Social Investment Program. An additional 1.5% of the project’s value has been committed to First Nations’ participation and employment.
ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said the agreement with Flow Power is another milestone for the company’s inaugural project, New England Solar, which stands as a major contributor to the NEM. “We have a bold strategy to help Australia transition to a clean energy future, and we are excited by this offtake with Flow Power, enabling us to bring more renewable energy projects to life and clean electricity for Australian homes and businesses.”
To find out more about Flow Power’s pipeline of renewable energy projects, visit flowpower.com.au
Media contact
For media enquiries, images or interviews, please contact:
Alice Johnson, Head of Sustainability, Horizon Communication Group
0413 852 381 | alice@horizoncg.com.au
Reid Sexton, Group Head of External Communications, Asahi Beverages
0413 777 393 | reid.sexton@asahibeverages.com
About ACEN Australia
ACEN Australia is the platform representing ACEN’s renewable energy assets in Australia. With more than 1 gigawatt (GW) capacity of large-scale renewable energy generation in construction and operations, and more than 13GW capacity in the development pipeline, its portfolio includes solar, wind, battery and pumped hydro projects across Australia.
New England Solar (Stage 1) in NSW is ACEN Australia’s first operational project. It is one of Australia’s largest solar projects participating in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and is the largest solar project in Australia to be financed on a fully merchant basis. Stubbo Solar in the NSW Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is ACEN Australia’s second project, which commenced construction in late 2022.
With 100+ employees and growing, our people are based in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
www.acenrenewables.com.au
About Asahi Beverages
Asahi Beverages is Oceania’s leading beverages company.
We produce many of Australia and New Zealand’s favourite alcohol and non-alcohol beverages – some with histories stretching back to the 19th century.
With manufacturing plants in all Australian states and in New Zealand, our multi-beverage portfolio, includes drinks that bring enjoyment and connection to everyday moments in life regardless of the occasion.
Asahi Beverages is a member of Asahi Group Holdings, one of Japan’s leading beverage companies. Asahi Beverages comprises Asahi Lifestyle Beverages (formerly known as Schweppes Australia), Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) and Asahi Beverages New Zealand.
About BaptistCare NSW, ACT & WA
BaptistCare is a leading not-for-profit Christian-based care organisation that has been serving the aged and people living with disadvantage since 1944. We support over 24,000 people across more than 100 locations across NSW, ACT and WA.
We offer a range of services which include residential aged care, home care, retirement living, and community services, such as affordable housing, no-interest loans, and services for women and children escaping violence.
From humble beginnings, BaptistCare has grown into one of the nation’s most respected care providers, employing more than 6,000 staff, with a further 600 volunteers.
About Flow Power
Flow Power is an electricity, technology and engineering company that has been reshaping energy for Australia since 2008. Flow Power’s innovative approach uncovers new and better ways to deliver reliable, renewable energy that brings costs down and puts the power back in customers’ hands.
Flow Power’s renewable energy portfolio encompasses wind, solar and storage.
Flow Power is one of Australia’s fastest-growing energy retailers serving some of our best-loved organisations including Asahi Beverages, Sydney Opera House, Snack Brands, Westpac, City of Sydney, The University of Melbourne, RM Williams, Newcastle Airport and Pernod Ricard Winemakers.
A long-term industry leader in the renewable energy transition, Flow Power has recently launched its innovative residential electricity plan, Flow Home.
Flow Power: creating Australia’s renewable energy future, together.
For more information: www.flowpower.com.au
