Charles Sturt University has signed a three-year contract with Snowy Energy to power its six main campuses across New South Wales with entirely renewable electricity.
The agreement is also designed to provide regional economic benefits and supports the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and job creation in regional New South Wales.
Snowy Energy is the large commercial and industrial brand of Red Energy, which is 100 per cent owned by Snowy Hydro.
Charles Sturt University Manager of Sustainability, Ed Maher, said the agreement with Snowy Energy is a crucial step in the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
“Powering our campuses with 100 per cent renewable energy demonstrates our dedication to minimising our environmental impact and contributing to a cleaner energy future,” Mr Maher said.
“This partnership reinforces Charles Sturt University’s leadership in environmental responsibility, building upon its achievement as the first Australian university to achieve carbon neutrality certification in July 2016.
“We are proud to partner with Snowy Energy on this important initiative, which also provides regional economic benefits as it supports the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and job creation in regional New South Wales.”
The estimated annual usage under the contract is 20GWh, demonstrating Charles Sturt University’s significant investment in renewable energy.
Starting on 1 January 2025 and continuing through 31 December 2027, Charles Sturt University’s campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo and Port Macquarie will be powered by Snowy Energy’s TrueGreen 100 per cent renewable electricity.
Snowy Hydro Chief Commercial Officer, Gordon Wymer, said he is delighted to partner with Charles Sturt University, a recognised leader in sustainability.
“TrueGreen enables Charles Sturt University to meet its energy needs while simultaneously supporting renewable energy development and growth in regional New South Wales,” Mr Wymer said.
“This agreement highlights the growing demand for clean energy solutions and the important role and commitment Snowy Energy plays in providing this to our customers.”
The electricity is matched from Snowy Hydro’s diverse portfolio of hydro generation assets (the iconic Snowy Mountains Scheme) and wind and solar projects via long-term offtake arrangements.
This will be matched with 100 per cent large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) sourced from Lightsource bp’s West Wyalong Solar Farm, situated in the heart of Charles Sturt’s operating footprint, supporting regional renewable energy generation and investment in New South Wales.
