NSW school commits to long-term renewable energy use

Ascham School has made a long-term commitment to renewable energy by signing a corporate renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with business energy retailer Flow Power.

Under the agreement, the Sydney-based school aims to reach a 90% renewable energy target, with power sourced from a combination of wind and solar farms. The school is claimed to be the first school in NSW to enter a deal of this kind.

The agreement will help Ascham School achieve its ambitious sustainability targets, contribute to a lower carbon economy and reduce overall emissions, as well as offset electricity consumption from the grid. Real-time monitoring of renewable energy, calculated at 30-minute intervals, will allow the school to control and optimise its use of renewable power.

Ascham School Business Manager Candice Heapes said, “Late last year we felt pressured by another provider into accepting significantly higher energy retail prices when our three-year agreement with them ended. This, along with our growing focus on sustainability as part of our strategic plan, spurred us on to look at alternative options and sources of energy. At Ascham, the whole school is committed to sustainable actions, so drawing energy from wind and solar farms is a terrific step in greening our future.”

Flow Power first introduced corporate renewable PPAs to the Australian market in 2017 and now counts Olam Orchards Australia, ANCA Machines and Burra Foods as customers. The latest agreement with Ascham School highlights the growing appetite for PPAs in the Australian market.

Flow Power Managing Director Matthew van der Linden said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Ascham School as a customer, and applaud their leadership in taking on an agreement of this kind.

“The education sector is uniquely placed to benefit from corporate renewable PPAs, due to the longevity of its schools and of the PPAs themselves. We look forward to collaborating with Ascham School throughout the duration of this agreement to deliver an energy solution that evolves to fit the school’s needs.”

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