SmartestEnergy and Octopus Australia sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for Darlington Point Solar Farm

SmartestEnergy Australia have announced today that they have signed a long term agreement with Octopus Australia. In which the PPA will see SmartestEnergy off-taking 25% of the solar generation capacity. 

Darlington Point Solar Farm is a 333MWdc solar farm located near Darlington, NSW on the traditional land of Wiradjuri people. It was commissioned in 2020 and is the largest solar farm in Australia with nearly 1 million solar panels, supplying enough energy to power 110,000 households annually. 

Since Darlington Point Solar Farm became operational Octopus has invested over $5.5 million to establish a biodiversity stewardship scheme safeguarding large areas of native grasslands and offsetting any impact from the development of the solar farm. These grasslands, separate to the solar farm, are undergoing registration under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) protecting them from further development.  

SmartestEnergy will use the power from the solar farm to offer commercial and industrial companies’ renewable energy and bespoke solutions, to support them on their net zero journeys. 

Robert Owens, Chief Executive Officer for SmartestEnergy Australia Pty Ltd, said: “For over 20 years, developing partnerships and the support of the independent renewable generation sector have been central to our business.  Our relationship with Octopus dates back many years and it is great to see that continue from outside the UK, to here in Australia. Each company is focused on accelerating the transition to a sustainable and net zero economy, and this is another step forward in Australia.” 

Sam Reynolds, Managing Director for Octopus Australia, said: “Octopus is excited to be partnering with SmartestEnergy in providing renewable energy to Australian businesses. This PPA is a great example of retailers and renewable energy developers working together to support Australian business in meeting their sustainability and business objectives. As a long-term owner of energy assets, we’re excited to continue developing our relationship with SmartestEnergy and the Australian business community to accelerate Australia’s transition to net zero.”