A new Program to meet 2030 goals with Next Generation PPAs
PPAs are evolving – becoming more sophisticated and integrating more energy management innovation to drive better cost and carbon outcomes for large companies – Next Generation PPAs.
We are now seeking companies with large commercial and industrial energy use/facilities (especially NGERs Reporting companies) operating in Australia to participate in a Program to deliver Next Generation PPAs, supported and funded by ARENA, RACE for 2030 and BRC-A (subject to our successful application in early 2026).
About the Program
The Program will seek cheaper renewable electricity and carbon emission reductions for large energy users via six (6) integrated renewable energy PPAs aimed at delivering:
- Better electricity pricing.
- Minimised price risk and carbon exposure risk.
- Greater sustainability impact and regional social licence/performance outcomes.
- Shared resources and costs across the group.
- Greater choice & individual contracts.
- Guided learning and support for energy teams and the business case.
Next Generation PPAs will integrate energy management innovations into your electricity purchase (PPA). Integrating options such as demand flexibility, firming and electrification of combustion processes and other options can further reduce costs to C&I companies – and will be explored with companies participating in this Program:
This Program is an opportunity to seek better electricity pricing and address emissions across one or more of the 3 Scopes, and is open to companies seeking to address:
- Combustion processes (Scope 1), such as via electrification of thermal storage.
- Electricity (Scope 2) emissions via renewable electricity purchasing.
- Supply chain (Scope 3) client / supplier emissions; working with companies in your supply chain, industry or region of operations to reduce costs and contract renewable electricity.
The Program will cover up to 80% of the energy advisory, legal and facilitation costs.
Each participating company will receive a PPA offer and a Baseline Energy Needs Assessment Report. This report will help your business to identify energy management opportunities and priorities for both your PPA and your broader energy requirements such as for combustion activities (Scope 1), providing a basis for further detailed energy feasibility assessment and supporting your long-term planning.
The Program will build on successful buyers’ groups led by City of Melbourne, City of Yarra and SECCCA on the Business Renewables Buying Group Project – which have now collectively delivered 5 business buyers groups.
To find out more or to express your interest, contact Jackie@businessrenewables.org.au or info@businessrenewables.org.au for more information.
Why join the Program?
When you join a buyer’s group, your electricity usage is pooled with others in a group, increasing your company’s buying power and giving you an opportunity to achieve greater sustainability impact.
However, contracting alone in the renewables market can be challenging, especially for companies with limited PPA experience and/or resources trying to make sense of our dynamic market.
However, many industrials such as Rio Tinto, BOC Ltd, BlueScope, Newmont Mining, BHP, Aurizon, Orica, Olam, Coca-Cola, Nufarm, Asahi, Mars, Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Charter Hall, Dexus and many others are already accessing cheaper and cleaner electricity – having contracted renewables for their operations via PPA – and benefitting from the competitive advantage this is delivering across multiple industry sectors.
As an independent PPA expert and not-for-profit organisation, BRC-A will facilitate and coordinate Buyer’s Group to seek a low-cost, high-value renewable energy deal from the market for participating companies.
We will work to establish a scalable, repeatable model for renewable energy purchasing by groups of businesses with operations in Australia.
If you are interested in learning more about our National Next Gen PPAs Program, please get in touch with Jackie McKeon jackie@businessrenewables.org.au or email info@businessrenewables.org.au.
About Buyers’ Groups in Australia
There have been great examples of Australian PPA buyer’s groups – many involving NGERs Reporting companies:
- Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP 1): National Australia Bank, Next DC, University of Melbourne, Citywide, RMIT University, Bank Australia, Zoos Victoria, Fed square, Melbourne Convention Centre, City of Moorland, City of Yarra, City of Melbourne and Australia Post.
- Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP) 2: RMIT University, Deakin University, CBUS Property, ISPT, Fulton Hogan, Citywide Asphalt, and Mondelez International.
- Lion Breweries & AHA (Australian Hotels Association): A supply chain group PPA.
- Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC 1 and SSROC 2): 40+ NSW-based Councils.
- Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) of 50+ Councils.
- Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership (BREP): A regional Group PPA by Barwon Water, Barwon Health & Geelong Port.
Start learning about PPAs now
Begin your renewable energy purchasing education now by checking out our Small Energy Buyer & Buyers’ Group Masterclasses: