Telstra has expanded its renewable energy portfolio by signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the new Glenellen Solar Farm in Glenellen, NSW, located 16 km north of Albury.
Under the agreement, Telstra will purchase 50% of the electricity generated by the project, which is anticipated to produce 210 GWh annually. This share will power over 37,000 homes and help reduce approximately 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Kim Krogh Andersen, Telstra’s Product & Technology Group Executive, noted that this is Telstra’s seventh PPA, raising the total value of its Australian renewable energy investments to over $1.4 billion. “We’re excited to support the 260 MW Glenellen Solar Farm, which will not only provide cleaner energy but also create local jobs in the Riverina region,” Mr. Andersen said.
The project will generate about 200 jobs during its construction phase, significantly benefiting the Albury area and surrounding communities. “Telstra has a strong track record in supporting renewable energy projects. With Glenellen, we now back seven renewable sites across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales, all of which are either under construction or operational,” Mr. Andersen added.
The Glenellen Solar Farm will also address the need to protect valuable agricultural land by integrating sustainable energy production with traditional farming practices. Innovative agro-voltaic technology will allow sheep grazing among solar panels, preserving the land’s agricultural value.
“This agreement underscores our commitment to supporting innovative projects that benefit the environment and the communities we serve, while advancing Australia’s goal of 82% renewable energy by 2030,” Mr. Andersen said.
Telstra’s investment in the Glenellen Solar Farm is made in partnership with Global Power Generation Australia, a subsidiary of Global Power Generation (GPG), part of the Spanish multinational Naturgy Energy Group.
Telstra has also recently updated its climate program, increasing its scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target from 50% to 70% by 2030, focusing on decarbonization projects to further reduce its overall footprint. For more information on Telstra’s climate and energy targets, refer to the 2024 Bigger Picture Sustainability Report.
Additional Details:
- Existing PPAs include Emerald Solar Park (QLD), Murra Warra Wind Farm (VIC), Stage 3 of the Crookwell Wind Farm (NSW), MacIntyre Wind Farm (QLD), Munna Creek Solar (QLD), and Bundaberg Solar Farm (QLD).
- By 2025, Telstra aims to enable renewable energy generation equivalent to 100% of its consumption.
- By 2030, Telstra targets a 70% reduction in scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions and a 50% reduction in scope 3 emissions from a FY19 baseline.
- By 2050, Telstra is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
