Independent energy retailer SmartestEnergy has secured a major contract for half the output from the 350-MW/440-MWp Culcairn Solar Farm in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The landmark project was developed and is owned by French renewable energy leader Neoen SA.
Neoen Signs PPA with SmartestEnergy for Culcairn Solar Farm
Neoen, a global leader in renewable energy, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SmartestEnergy for 50% of the energy generated by its 440 MWp / 350 MW AC Culcairn Solar Farm in New South Wales. SmartestEnergy supplies renewable electricity to businesses across the National Energy Market (NEM).
Located in Wiradjuri country within the Riverina region, the Culcairn project is currently under construction, with completion scheduled for 2026. It will be Neoen’s second-largest solar farm worldwide, behind only the 460-MWp solar farm at the Western Downs Green Power Hub in Queensland.
Neoen also secured a Long-Term Energy Services Agreement (LTESA) through a tender managed by AEMO Services as part of the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. This initiative is designed to help the state reach its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The LTESA complements the PPA by allowing energy producers to sell electricity at an agreed minimum price.
“We are delighted to sign our first PPA with SmartestEnergy, and we sincerely thank them for placing their trust in us. We are looking forward to the major contribution the project will play in powering businesses as well as supporting NSW’s rapid energy transition,” said Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Neoen’s CEO.
Culcairn Solar Farm to Power 160,000 Homes and Create Jobs
The solar farm is expected to generate enough energy to power 160,000 homes—more than double the number of households in the Riverina region of NSW. The project will also provide a strong economic boost to the area, creating over 400 construction jobs and seven permanent roles once operational. As a long-term owner and operator, Neoen is committed to sharing value with the local community through a benefit program totalling AUD 10 million over the project’s lifetime.
Culcairn Solar Farm
This program includes an annual Community Benefit Fund for local initiatives, as well as contributions to the Greater Hume Shire Council. Additionally, the solar farm will feature agrisolar practices, with sheep grazing integrated into the site.
“This agreement with Neoen underscores our purpose in the market to support the renewable transition. By partnering with Neoen, we continue to provide renewable energy solutions for our customers, and we can play our part in ensuring that the transition in Australia keeps pace,” said Robert Owens, SmartestEnergy Australia’s CEO.
Neoen Boosts Australian Portfolio by 25% with Culcairn Solar Farm
The Culcairn Solar Farm marks a year of significant growth for Neoen, expanding its Australian portfolio by 25% to a total of 3.75 GW in operation or under construction. In New South Wales, the company is also developing a multi-gigawatt pipeline of wind, solar, and grid-scale battery storage projects crucial to achieving Neoen’s goal of 10 GW of capacity in Australia by 2030.
“I would like to thank the Neoen, Bouygues and Transgrid teams for their hard work and dedication as well as our host landowner families for their continued trust. Culcairn is an essential project for Neoen in NSW and Australia and we are proud to have been awarded an LTESA contract. We have developed a strong pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects in NSW designed to help accelerate the State’s energy transition, as it moves towards halving emissions by 2030,” said Louis de Sambucy, Neoen Australia’s CEO.
“It’s exciting to be announcing the start of construction of Culcairn Solar Farm as it is a key milestone for us, demonstrating once more that Neoen is the fastest-growing renewable energy company in Australia. We are delighted to be collaborating again with Bouygues Australia, a trustworthy partner who already has delivered major projects for Neoen. More than ever, we are proud to be making a powerful contribution to accelerating the pace of the energy transition in Australia and around the globe,” said Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Chairman and CEO.
