Telstra has added to its renewable energy portfolio after signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a new solar farm in Glenellen, NSW, 16km north of Albury.

Telstra’s agreement covers 50% of the electricity that will be generated by the project. Once complete, this share is expected to produce 210 GWh per year, enough to power over 37,000 homes and avoid around 130,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

Kim Krogh Andersen, Telstra’s Product & Technology Group Executive said the signing of this project marks the organisation’s seventh PPA and brings the total value of Australian renewable energy generation projects supported by Telstra to more than $1.4 billion.

“We’re proud to support the 260 MW Glenellen solar farm as it will not only power homes with cleaner energy, but also provide local employment opportunities to the Riverina region,” Mr Andersen said.

“Work is underway now to build the Glenellen Solar Farm with the project expected to generate about 200 jobs during the construction phase contributing significantly to locals in Albury and surrounding communities.

“Telstra has a strong track record of helping get renewable energy projects off the ground and after bringing Glenellen on board, we now support seven renewable sites across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales - all of which are either under construction or in operation.”

The Glenellen Solar Farm also balances the need to protect valuable agricultural land with the expected employment, community and environmental benefits.

“The new solar farm combines sustainable energy production with traditional farming, using innovative agro-voltaic technology that allows sheep grazing among solar panels to help preserve the land’s agricultural value,” Mr Andersen said.

“Agreements like this highlight our dedication to backing innovative projects that deliver better outcomes for our environment and the communities we serve while helping to build a more sustainable future, supporting Australia’s target of 82% renewable energy by 2030.”

Telstra’s investment in Glenellen has been made in agreement with the Solar Farm project owner, Global Power Generation Australia, the Australian subsidiary of Global Power Generation (GPG)*.

Telstra recently announced a decision to ramp up its existing climate program, and take more direct action, by increasing its scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target from 50% to 70% by 2030, through a greater focus on decarbonisation projects that will reduce Telstra’s overall footprint.

More information on Telstra’s climate and energy targets and activities can be found in the 2024 Bigger Picture Sustainability Report.

*GPG is the international power generation branch of the Spanish multinational Naturgy Energy Group (Naturgy), the largest integrated gas and electricity company in Spain and Latin America, operating in over 20 countries