Commercial, Renewables

nbn targets 100 per cent renewables, with 80GWh PPA to start

Australia’s government-owned national broadband company, NBN Co, has joined 110 Australian businesses that have already committed to sourcing 100 per cent renewables via the RE100 commitment.

The organisation has kicked off its renewables journey with an 80GWh per annum renewable power purchase agreement that will meet 20 per cent of the nbn network’s needs by 2023. It plans to sign additional renewable PPAs and contracts to hit 100 per cent renewables by December 2025.

Low emissions transport is also on the agenda, with the organisation committing to using electric and hybrid vehicles “where suitably available” by 2030.

It’s already started lowering the carbon footprint of its nationwide network. It’s already installed solar and LED lighting in some facilities and turned off inactive line cards in the network. The announcement also includes a commitment to reducing annual energy use by 25GWh by December 2025

“NBN Co is the first Australian telecommunication company and the first government business enterprise to join RE100,” Jon Dee, Australia coordinator at RE100, said.

“Between them, the Australian members of RE100 use over 5.5 terawatt hours of electricity per year. That’s enough electricity to power 800,000 Australian homes.”

NBN co chief executive officer, Stephen Rue, said the organisation is also looking to boost the network to reach more users though a $4.5 billion network investment plan.

“Beyond the direct impact of becoming an environmentally sustainable business, what’s equally exciting is the power of the network to help enable digitisation, and the huge benefits that unlocks for the nation in terms of emissions reductions, as well as socio-economic benefits.”

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