We extend our congratulations to all the nominees and winners, and proudly highlight G&K O’Connor, supported by Northmore Gordon, for taking home the EEC Leading Energy Management Project: Industrial award. Their winning project, ‘Closing the Loop on Red Meat Processing Energy and Emissions’, is a testament to what’s possible when strategic vision meets deep technical expertise.

Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to work alongside GKO — helping navigate complex energy challenges and drive real emissions reductions in one of Australia’s most vital industries.

A heartfelt thank you to Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) for their support, and congratulations again to all involved. This recognition reflects the dedication, innovation, and collaboration that continue to shape a more sustainable future.

The post Celebrating Excellence in Energy at the 2025 EEC Awards appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

The Rise of Battery Storage: A Global and Local Perspective

Globally, battery storage has become a critical enabler of renewable energy. Countries like the United States, Germany, and China are investing heavily in large-scale batteries to stabilise their grids and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Australia, with its abundance of solar and wind energy, is at the forefront of this revolution. Projects such as the Victorian Big Battery and Hornsdale Power Reserve in South Australia demonstrate the vast potential of energy storage in managing supply and demand fluctuations.

The market for battery storage is booming. BloombergNEF forecasts that global energy storage installations will reach 1,095 gigawatt-hours by 2030, a twentyfold increase from 2021 levels. In Australia, the Clean Energy Council reports that investment in battery storage projects is accelerating, driven by decreasing costs, government incentives, and corporate sustainability commitments.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO’s) integrated system plan calls for a fivefold increase through to 2030.  Given Bloomberg’s forecast, it may well be much greater.  Storage is critical to the energy transition and achieving high penetration of renewable energy.  It’s critical for the grid and is critical for business. 

Why Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is Essential for Business

For medium to large businesses, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is not just about sustainability—it’s about resilience and efficiency. Here’s how it fits into a broader renewable energy strategy:

• Energy Cost Savings: Businesses can store excess solar energy during the day and use it during peak hours when electricity prices are higher, reducing grid reliance and energy bills.
• Demand Charge Reduction: Many businesses pay significant demand charges. Batteries can help smooth out peaks in energy use, minimising these costly surges.
• Backup Power and Reliability: Batteries provide a safeguard against power outages, ensuring operations continue uninterrupted.
• Sustainability and Carbon Goals: Integrating battery storage helps businesses meet corporate sustainability targets and regulatory requirements for emissions reductions.

Private and Government Incentives

Energy Retailers and the Australian government is backing battery storage through various initiatives, making it an even more attractive investment for businesses.

• Virtual Power Plants (VPP): Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can participate in VPP by aggregating their energy storage, providing frequency control and voltage support, and enabling arbitrage trading, ultimately maximizing the value of their storage capacity and contributing to grid stability and flexibility.
• The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS): This federal scheme encourages private investment in clean energy and storage solutions.
• State-Based Incentives: Programs like the NSW Empowering Homes initiative and the Victorian Solar Battery Rebate offer financial support for battery installations.
• ARENA and CEFC Funding: The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) provide funding and financing options for battery projects.

Environmental Certificates and Financial Offsets

Businesses investing in battery storage can also benefit from environmental certificate schemes that provide additional financial incentives:

• Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs): If paired with renewable generation, businesses may be eligible for LGCs under the Renewable Energy Target scheme, which can be sold to offset installation costs.
• NSW Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) & Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs): These state-based schemes reward businesses for energy efficiency initiatives, including battery storage in certain cases.
• State Grant Programs: Some states and energy providers offer incentives for businesses that use battery storage to participate in demand response programs, providing payments for reducing grid demand during peak periods.

Costs and Financial Offsets

While battery storage systems require a significant upfront investment, these costs can be mitigated through:

• Government Grants and Rebates: Programs at both federal and state levels provide direct funding to offset capital expenditure.
• Certificate Trading: Selling LGCs, PRCs, or VEECs can provide an ongoing revenue stream to help recover investment costs.
• Operational Savings: Lower electricity bills, reduced demand charges, and participation in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) can enhance financial returns over time.

How Northmore Gordon Can Help

At Northmore Gordon, we take a strategic approach to energy storage. We help businesses navigate the complexities of battery selection, integration, and financial modelling to ensure maximum return on investment. Our services include:

• Feasibility Assessments: Analysing the economic and technical viability of battery storage for your business.
• Energy Strategy Development: Creating tailored plans that integrate batteries with on-site renewables and demand management.
• Incentive and Funding Assistance: Identifying and applying for available government grants, environmental certificates, and financing options.
• Implementation and Monitoring: Ensuring seamless installation and ongoing performance optimisation.

Risks and Considerations

While battery storage offers numerous benefits, businesses should be aware of potential risks:

• Upfront Costs: Although prices are falling, battery storage still requires significant initial investment.
• Technology Maturity: While lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, emerging technologies like flow batteries and solid-state batteries may offer long-term advantages.
• Regulatory and Market Changes: Electricity market rules and incentives are evolving, and businesses must stay informed to maximise their investment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Battery Storage

Battery storage is rapidly evolving, with innovations in efficiency, capacity, and lifespan making it an increasingly viable solution for businesses. As grid-scale storage expands and new business models such as Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) gain traction, companies that invest early in battery storage will be well-positioned for the future energy landscape.

At Northmore Gordon, we are committed to helping our clients harness the power of battery storage. If you’re considering how energy storage can benefit your business, our team is ready to guide you through the process. Let’s shape a smarter, cleaner energy future together.

For expert advice on battery storage and renewable energy strategies, contact Northmore Gordon today.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general only and has been prepared without considering your business’ particular circumstances and needs. You should assess or seek advice from Northmore Gordon Environmental (AFSL 533927) on whether it is appropriate for your business’s objectives.

The post The Power of Big Battery Storage: BESS Unlocking the Future of Renewable Energy for Business appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

Interested to know more about moREnewable100 and the benefits to your business, please complete and submit the form here or contact Sid Bansal – Corporate Decarbonisation Manager.

When it comes to renewable energy procurement, the landscape can be complex. At Northmore Gordon, we make it simple and strategic. Unbundled International Renewable Certificates (RECs) allow businesses to credibly claim renewable electricity use, regardless of their location. Let’s break down how we help clients navigate this process with confidence.

Understanding Bundled vs. Unbundled RECs

RECs can be bundled with physical electricity supply or unbundled, sold separately from electricity. Unbundled RECs offer flexibility, allowing companies to procure renewable energy attributes independent of physical power contracts.

moREnewable100: A Cost-Effective Solution

Businesses with global operations face challenges in reducing Scope 2 emissions across diverse regions. Thanks to unbundled RECs and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), companies can now access renewable energy affordably and flexibly.

What Is moREnewable100?

moREnewable100 involves purchasing unbundled RECs to match electricity consumption across locations. Benefits include:

• Ensuring compliance with sustainability targets
• Accessing renewable energy globally at competitive rates
• Avoiding upfront capital investment
• Maintaining flexibility across jurisdictions
• Flexible single or multi-year contracting for certainty
• Fast to deploy
  
  

moREnewable100: A Global Decarbonisation Strategy

Unbundled RECs enable multinational companies to match consumption with renewable generation, even where onsite renewables or PPAs aren’t feasible. Northmore Gordon recently assisted a leading financial services company in covering its Australian and international offices, reducing Scope 2 emissions to zero efficiently.

Key Considerations When Buying RECs

Our guide on “Decisions to Make When Buying RECs” highlights:

• Geographic Matching – Aligning purchases with operational locations.
• Certification & Credibility – Ensuring RECs meet recognised standards.
• Cost Optimisation – Leveraging market trends for competitive pricing.
• Impact Transparency – Demonstrating contributions to renewable investment.
  
  

Origination and Sale

Companies generating surplus renewable electricity can monetise their energy attributes. Northmore Gordon facilitates EAC registration and market placement, ensuring optimal pricing. Through our Singapore office, we originate I-RECs for projects in Singapore and Asia, with access to global REC markets and surrender capabilities to meet sustainability goals. In Australia we originate LGCs for domestic and international customers to surrender.

Benefits of Unbundled RECs

Unbundled RECs offer businesses:

• Global Accessibility – Procure RECs worldwide to support clean energy.
• Credible Sustainability Claims – Ensure carbon reduction goals are met.
• Cost Savings – A lower-cost alternative to physical renewable projects.
• Enhanced Reputation – Strengthened brand perception among stakeholders.
• Revenue Opportunities – Monetising
  
  

With REC prices declining globally and Australian LGCs dropping 50% from a year ago, now is the time to optimise your renewable energy procurement strategy.

Risks of Inexperienced Providers

Partnering with an inexperienced REC provider can lead to:

• Regulatory Non-Compliance – Risk of penalties due to improper procurement.
• Financial Loss – Overpaying due to poor market knowledge.
• Market Instability – Procurement timing mistakes leading to higher costs.
• Poor Documentation – Hindering sustainability reporting and making audits more challenging.
• Missed Revenue – Misjudging market conditions, leading to lower-than-expected returns from REC sales.
• Fraud Risks – Not all low-cost RECs are fraudulent, but double counted RECs are.

Why Choose Northmore Gordon?

With deep expertise in energy markets and sustainability consulting, Northmore Gordon simplifies REC transactions, ensuring businesses achieve renewable energy commitments efficiently.

For companies with global operations, unbundled RECs provide a scalable, cost-effective solution for reducing Scope 2 emissions. Contact us to explore tailored solutions that align with your sustainability and financial objectives.

Northmore Gordon has access to a wide range of RECs, including I-RECs, TIGRs, RECs, REGOs, GOs, LGCs, NZECs, J-Credits, and more.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general only and has been prepared without considering your business’ particular circumstances and needs. You should assess or seek advice from Northmore Gordon Environmental (AFSL 533927) on whether it is appropriate for your business’s objectives.

The post Introducing moREnewable100: Worldwide Renewable Energy Has Never Been Cheaper appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

Proposed changes include extending the program’s timeline to 2045 and relaxing the time limits for certificate validation which could release more certificates into the market and help bring prices down. There has been an ongoing discussion regarding how the VEEC price will be affected in the coming months, while there is still room for increases in price, there is growing downside risk on prices that could see the wholesale VEEC price fall back from current highs, potentially suddenly.

Managing Your Risk

The VEU is a market-based incentive program and as such there can be volatility in the market. The graph showcases how the VEEC prices can suddenly drop following any government announcements.

Looking at 3 different market-based incentive programs – Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEECs), NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESCs), and the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Target (STCs), you can see that the government policy and market conditions have led to 3 very different outcomes in certificate pricing over the past 6 years

What Steps can you Take?

1. Complete the paperwork and submit your jobs for processing as soon after installation as possible and respond to pending RFI’s quickly to reduce the time job claims are outstanding.
2. Check our spot price newsletter issued every Monday and Wednesday so you are aware of any market changes – if you are not receiving this, please let us know.
3. Regularly review the incentive amounts that you are offering to your customers and keep a buffer for yourself, so you are not caught short.
4. Talk to us about hedging or forward contracting if this is the right option for you. This allows you to lock in the price for a set amount of VEECs to be delivered in an agreed period of time.
5. Consider other activities for additional submissions to diversify your product and service offerings to customers.

Key Factors That Influence Certificate Prices

The Environmental Certificate Program operates on a market-based model, requiring electricity retailers to purchase millions of certificates annually. By removing the strict timeline for certificate validation, the government hopes to increase the supply of certificates, which could relieve some of the price pressures. However, this will only have a margin impact on VEEC price through changing the timing, not the overall quantity of certificates available.

Supply and Demand: the demand for certificates by retailers is set by the annual government targets. The targets are set in 5-year blocks, with the current targets set to the end of 2025. The government has announced that they will set an interim target for 2026 and 2027, while the VEU Strategic review is undertaken. The 2026 and 2027 targets need to be announced by May 2025, however, could be announced earlier. While the target was growing each year in the 2020 to 2025 period, there is a possibility that the government could set a lower target for 2026-2027 which would put downward pressure on pricing by reducing the demand. Supply of certificates is also determined by the government by setting the allowable activities and setting the number of VEECs each activity will produce. Bringing new activities to the program could increase the supply of certificates and reduce the price.

Stronger Regulatory Oversight: Planned reforms also include giving the Essential Services Commission greater authority to regulate appliance installers. While this increased oversight is aimed at ensuring compliance and preventing fraud, it may also slow down the generation of new certificates if installers face additional regulatory hurdles​.

Political and Economic Pressures: The debate surrounding the VEU program is highly polarized. Critics argue that the scheme is unfairly driving up costs for low-income households at a time of economic difficulty, while supporters maintain that it has successfully reduced power bills, distribution infrastructure costs, and the upfront cost for many energy-efficiency upgrades. How the government balances these competing concerns will significantly affect the future pricing of VEECs​.

What Can We Expect Moving Forward?

While the current wholesale price of VEECs remains high at $105-$114 per certificate, the upcoming reforms are expected to create more activities into the future and potentially lower prices over time. The increase in certificate supply, combined with improved regulatory oversight, could provide some relief to both consumers and electricity retailers. However, it remains uncertain how significant these price reductions will be and how long they will take to materialize.

With the VEU program now extended to 2045, businesses and consumers can plan for long-term participation in a more refined and efficient system. The key will be to monitor the ongoing review and regulatory changes closely, as these will ultimately shape the Future landscape of Energy efficiency in Victoria.

In conclusion, while VEEC prices are currently high, upcoming reforms have the potential to bring them down gradually (or suddenly). Stakeholders should prepare for a period of transition and keep a close eye on legislative developments as the Victorian government seeks to leverage this critical emissions reduction program as part of the government electrification strategy.

The post VEEC Market Update: Managing Certificate Price Fluctuations appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

Webinar Details: 

• Date: Thursday 25^th July 2024 

• Time: 1-2:30 pm AEST 

Why Attend?

Join our expert panel as we delve into the intricacies of sourcing RECs globally and nationally to effectively manage and reduce emissions, particularly Scope 2. 

Whether your company has a headquarters overseas facing local barriers or operates solely within Australia seeking Climate Active certification, this webinar will provide the guidance and knowledge you need. 

In this webinar we’ll discuss: 

• The Basics: Understand what is a REC and how RECs  

• The Role of RECs: Understanding the use of RECs in achieving sustainability commitments and reducing emissions, particularly Scope 2

• Global and Domestic Regulations: An overview of the various global and domestic regulations and guidelines for RECs, including NGERs, RE100, SBTi, and Climate Active

• REC Supply Landscape in Australia, Asia & Globally: Exploring the REC supply in different countries, how it fits with your company’s goals, and the challenges and opportunities in the region

• Procurement Strategies: Gain practical advice on procuring RECs in the short, medium and long-term.

• Case Studies: Real-world examples of businesses that have successfully navigated the complexities of REC procurement

• Q&A Session: An opportunity to ask questions and get personalized advice from our expert panel

Meet Our Expert Panel: 

Craig Morgan (CoFounder & Group Sales Director): Craig will discuss global regulations for RECs, including frameworks like RE100 and the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 

Hamish McGovern (CoFounder & Managing Director): Hamish will focus on domestic regulations in Australia for RECs, highlighting the Climate Active framework. 

Sid Bansal (Webinar Host & Account Manager for Certificates): Sid will guide you through the use of RECs, their benefits, and how Northmore Gordon can assist with yearly procurement and buying strategies. 

Kelly Lee (Account Manager for Certificates): Kelly will share more about the REC challenges, opportunities, and Northmore Gordon capabilities around the Asia region.  

With a proven track record of registering over 6 million Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) over 10 years, we leverage our global network, facilitated by our Australian and Singapore offices, to provide secure transactions and streamlined trading. Our expertise in navigating diverse regional regulations ensures that your sustainability goals are met efficiently and effectively.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to power up your sustainability game. Register now and take the first step towards a greener future with Northmore Gordon. 

The post Register now: Unlock the Potential of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) Webinar appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

The customer, who upgraded an aging and inefficient 2MW boiler with three 500kW boilers, was able to register over 800 VEECs thanks to Northmore Gordon’s expertise. This not only helped to offset the cost of the upgrade, but also contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are thrilled to have achieved this milestone,” said Patrick Blain for Northmore Gordon. “With gas prices on the rise and the world on track to overshoot 1.5C global warming, it has never been more important for businesses to take action to reduce energy usage and emissions. Our gas efficiency solutions are a great first step in this direction, and we are committed to helping our customers make the transition to more sustainable energy sources.”

To learn more about the value your business can receive from the VIC and NSW with gas efficiencies, please visit https://northmoregordon.com/technologies/boiler-upgrades/.

To find out more about electrification and other alternatives, visit https://northmoregordon.com/articles/increase-boiler-energy-efficiency-and-reduce-costs/.

The post Another First for NG. Driving Down Gas appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

Rising energy demand and diminishing gas supply have led to growing concern about a near-future shortfall of gas in Victoria. Over the past several years, many headlines have stressed the need to develop more gas fields. But that approach caters to an old way of thinking that simply prolongs the inevitable — gas will need to be phased out to meet the state’s net zero commitments.

Instead, it is time to embrace the future and steer Victoria — and the nation — toward energy security and sustainable alternatives. This can be achieved through proven and reliable strategies that leverage energy efficiency techniques and accelerate renewable energy adoption. Implementation of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) has promoted strong growth in renewable energy sources throughout the state. To support this initiative, the state should also pursue measures that decarbonise gas usage.  

A couple of significant reports have been published recently that examine the role of gas infrastructure in reaching the state’s net-zero goals. One of the reports came from Infrastructure Victoria, an independent advisory body that provides research and advice on net-zero strategy for the Victorian government. To support the scope of research needed for its report, Infrastructure Victoria asked Northmore Gordon to conduct modeling and analysis on the contribution of energy efficiency measures toward impacting gas demand. Headed by principal consultant Trent Hawkins, Northmore Gordon (in partnership with Energeia) produced a Cost Benefit Analysis of Energy Efficiency Activities in the Gas Sector.  

This analysis report by Northmore Gordon represents the culmination of a multi-year examination on the potential impact of improving gas demand-side measures. For the work- supporting Infrastructure Victoria and other recent studies into demand side measures, Northmore Gordon and project partners Energeia has assessed two key elements. First, Northmore Gordon took a data-driven approach to assess how much gas could feasibly be removed from the market, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. This involved energy efficiency measures such as improved insulation as well as electrification of processes like space heating and hot water generation. Second, Northmore Gordon identified programs and policy levers that could be utilized to support and incentivize the undertaking of those activities. This effort identified shortcomings within the Victorian energy upgrades program that, if amended, could strengthen the state’s decarbonisation efforts.  

Northmore Gordon’s research and policy advocacy work revealed that reducing gas demand is a cost-effective way to progress toward Victoria’s net-zero targets and address the state’s pending gas shortfall crisis. While there will undoubtedly be a need for ongoing research, assessment, and modification, the availability of proven technologies and strategies transforms Victoria’s energy dilemma from an engineering challenge to a matter of political and public will. Northmore Gordon will continue to support the households, businesses, and industries of Victoria through technical analysis and policy advisory initiatives and efforts to advance corporations’ net-zero strategies.  

By making itself available to public and private sector needs, Northmore Gordon applies its engineering knowledge and strategic expertise to help advance Victoria, and Australia at large, toward a healthier and more secure future.  

The post Northmore Gordon Works To Improve Energy Stability in Victoria  appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

To stay competitive, businesses will need to reduce energy consumption, direct carbon emissions, and the use of carbon-intensive goods and services.

The Singapore Carbon Pricing Act

The 2019 introduction of the Carbon Pricing Act (CPA) marked Singapore as the first country in Southeast Asia to establish a carbon price. The CPA requires any facility emitting more than 25,000 tCO2e annually to pay S$5/tCO2e.

The CPA considers emissions from direct fuel combustion as well as from Industrial Processes and Product Uses (IPPU) such as the production of CO2 from steam methane reforming used in ammonia or hydrogen production.

Setting the taxable emissions threshold at 25,000 tCO2e allows Singapore to target a relatively low number of the country’s C&I facilities while still addressing roughly 80% of its national GHG emissions. By addressing the majority of the nation’s heavy polluters with an easy-to-understand tax, the CPA could prove to be a more effective policy measure than a highly complex carbon cap-and-trade mechanism.

Tax to Increase

The price per tonne of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) is set to go through steep price increases in the coming years:

• S$25/tCO2e in 2024
• S$45/tCO2e in 2026
• and potentially between S$50-$80/tCO2e by 2030

The 2022 CPA update offers businesses time to assess, plan, and execute strategies to reduce their carbon emissions and thus lower their tax liability.

Demonstrating Strong Intention for Social Good

Singapore’s carbon price commitment showcases the nation’s determination to decarbonise in a meaningful way. According to Singapore’s National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), the government will not receive additional revenue from this carbon price increase. Rather, the money will go towards supporting businesses and further efforts to promote decarbonisation — such as grants and tax incentives for ESG reporting — as the country advances its transition away from carbon.

Additionally, the CPA will allow for 5% of a business’s taxable emissions to be offset via certified international carbon credits. This gives businesses access to a wide range of options to mitigate their tax liability, yet the CPA still places overwhelming emphasis on reducing on-site emissions, which will compel businesses to reduce their actual carbon emissions and create a positive impact in Singapore.

Creating a Carbon Reduction Strategy

Decarbonising industry and the built environment is in the public’s best interest and increasingly aligns with corporate agendas. Economists and business leaders alike have stressed the importance of expanding the price of carbon to accelerate global decarbonisation.

Effective decarbonisation requires a deeper understanding of baseline conditions and how to profitably transition away from fossil fuels. With many potential pathways in an ever-changing energy landscape, keeping up with current trends, technologies, and policies can be a daunting task.

A corporate carbon reduction strategy is the best way to achieve your goals at the lowest cost. The following diagram shows what needs to be taken into account.  A simplified approach is to be considered:

1. Increase energy efficiency
2. Electrify as much as possible
3. Buy renewable energy
4. Offset the remaining carbon emissions

How Businesses can Decarbonise through Energy Efficiency

There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to decarbonise the industry. There is however a universal principle that can be applied across all sites in which reducing energy waste means less energy use, fewer emissions and that businesses will save money at the same time. This is a ‘no regrets’ strategy.

How Electrification and Renewables Decarbonise Business

Beyond improving energy efficiency, plants can also undergo electrification to transition away from equipment and machinery that burn fuel on site. For instance, a natural gas water heater can be replaced with an electric heat pump, or a traditional furnace can be replaced with an electric one. In addition to helping transition away from burning fossil fuels, electrified equipment typically comes with fewer maintenance costs.

When purchased electricity is produced from clean, renewable sources with minimal carbon intensity, such as wind and solar power, the electrification process can significantly reduce a business’ overall emissions.

Current studies suggest that electrification could transition roughly 50% of the fuel that global industry uses for energy to electric-powered operations. This includes processes requiring low-temperature heat (≤ 100°C), such as food preparation, to industrial activities like steam reforming that require high-temperature heat up to 1,000°C.

The remaining fuel in the industry is often natural gas. There is an increasing amount of renewable gas available in the network, for example between 40%-50% of Denmark and Germany’s piped methane gas is from renewable sources.

Certificates and Carbon Offsets

Northmore Gordon will Guide You Through Profitable Decarbonisation

As a full-service Consultant, Northmore Gordon has energy experts prepared to guide businesses through all phases of their decarbonisation journeys to ensure a successful and profitable transition.

Northmore Gordon assists with the design and implementation of a carbon reduction strategy, which includes but is not limited to:

1. Develop the carbon strategy
2. Implement energy efficiency
3. Electrify fuel use
4. Create and competitively buy priced renewable energy and high-quality carbon offsets

We help businesses design and implement carbon reduction strategies and long-term roadmaps so that they can meet corporate goals and stay ahead of the changing landscape. This can include alignment with and commitment to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a robust framework strategy developed to keep the global temperature rise well under 2° Celcius from pre-industrial levels. In addition, Northmore Gordon helps businesses capture available grants, certifications, and incentives to make the process as profitable and streamlined as possible.

The world recognizes the threat of climate change and the risk of continued fossil-fuel dependence. Acceleration of decarbonisation is needed, and policy measures such as Singapore’s Carbon Policy Act showcase that more and more countries are making definitive steps to reaching a net-zero carbon economy. With an energy partner like Northmore Gordon, your business can incorporate our energy policy and engineering expertise to demonstrate leadership in sustainability and build a thriving business as the world undergoes this pivotal energy transition.

The post Singapore’s Increased Carbon Tax Signals Urgent Need to Decarbonise appeared first on Northmore Gordon.

Even with these positive trends, coal still powers 54% of Australia’s electricity generation. As plans to phase out coal-fired plants continue, an increase to install more dispatchable energy is required to meet Australia’s energy demand. REZs are poised to be the power stations of the future. They will usher in an era of clean energy as Australia looks to fulfil its Paris Climate Agreement commitments and contribute towards the fight against climate change.

What are Renewable Energy Zones? (REZ)

Renewable Energy Zones, also known as REZ, are areas identified as having an abundance of renewable energy resource — mostly solar, wind, or pumped hydro — and therefore suitable areas to build out large-scale renewable energy generating stations and transmission capacity to deliver clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy to homes and businesses.

How REZ Will Benefit Australian Environment & Economy

Renewable Energy Zones provide a range of economic and environmental benefits. With the overload of interest towards REZ development, states can be selective when choosing developers, making sure to best align environmental consciousness with the economic development of local and statewide economies.

Diversify energy profile — The majority of Australia’s transportation and industry is powered by fossil fuels. Under national efforts to curb this trend, there are plans to retire a number of coal-fired power plants in the upcoming decade. Introducing large-scale wind, solar, and hydro projects enable a healthy diversification of clean and reliable energy sources that can power Australia towards a carbon-free society.

Lower energy costs — The large-scale deployment of renewable energy infrastructure enables REZ developers to take advantage of economies of scale. With relatively low operating costs, once up and running, Renewable Energy Zones will deliver lower wholesale electricity prices resulting in lower energy bills for end-users.

Reduce pollution — One of the hallmark benefits of renewable energy sources, like solar, wind and hydro, is their capacity to generate clean energy. Generating power from renewable energy or other naturally occurring energy does not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, unlike burning coal or natural gas.

Support local economy —Renewable Energy Zones will bring significant economic development to local economies. New South Wales REZ generating stations have fixed costs that guarantee interconnectivity to transmission lines. A portion of these access fees is set to go directly to local communities, anticipated to bring a cool $265 million to host communities by 2042.

Various states are making local economic development a priority for their REZ buildout plans. The NSW pilot REZ in Central-West Orana is anticipated to support 3,900 construction jobs at its peak. The pilot program and the New England REZ together will support 1,700 long-term jobs.

Substantial Buzz Around REZ

The growing consensus that human activity is indeed a driving factor of climate change has led governments, businesses, and consumers looking to take greater control of their energy generation and be part of the solution.

Several Australian states have substantial buzz around REZ projects capable of delivering significant amounts of clean, reliable energy.

New South Wales

The incredible response to registration of interest (ROI) for the first proposed New South Wales (NSW) REZ in Central-West Orana has put the state in the driver’s seat, allowing it to select developers that are best suited to enrich local communities and to plan for even larger projects for its other 4 proposed REZ in New England, South-West, Hunter-Central Coast, and Illawarra.

Central-West Orana, the pilot REZ, is planned to start construction at the end of 2022 and is set to deliver 3 GW of energy by the mid-2020s, enough electricity to power roughly 1.4 million homes.

The New England site is slated to be the largest REZ in NSW, with a projected capacity of 8 GW — enough juice to power 3.5 million homes. Infrastructure buildout is being strategically designed to offer the flexibility of exporting excess energy to neighbouring state Queensland.

Victoria

Half of Victoria’s carbon emissions come from electricity generation, making the establishment of REZs and buildout of clean energy generation stations critical to its climate action plan. Victoria has defined six areas for REZs with a keen eye towards advancing development on the western three sites in Murray River, Western Victoria, and South-West. The Victorian government has committed $540 million towards REZ infrastructure development and the formation of a coordinating body, VicGrid.

Victoria has already given out a Registration of Interest, and contracts for REZ projects should be cemented by the first quarter of 2022.

Queensland

Queensland has established three Renewable Energy Zones — Northern, Central, and Southern. Throughout development phase, Queensland REZ received significant levels of interest from prospective developers: 72 projects registered their interest in the Southern REZ; 67 projects registered interest for Central REZ; 53 projects registered for Northern REZ.

Queensland has already begun construction on the Northern REZ with the start of the Kaban Green Power Hub, a 157 MW wind farm with connected 100 MW battery. Kaban Green Power Hub is projected to be operational in 2023.

Queensland has been actively engaging with the community in 2021 to align stakeholder interests and make sure that priority alignment exists to maximize economic production and community benefits while the state works toward its goal of 50% renewables by 2030.

The interest in developing Renewable Energy Zones highlights the impressive investment potential for these projects. While these projects have generated significant interest and investment opportunities, the development will not happen overnight. Strategic development of both energy generation and grid transmission has to be coordinated in order to safely and reliably deliver power from these renewable energy generating stations to the homes and businesses in need. It’s also important that the communities most impacted by this new development are included in the process and see the economic and labour benefits of hosting the renewable energy stations.

Renewable Energy Zones present an exciting future for Australia as states embrace the transition to clean energy and embark on a journey to drastically change the energy landscape from one beholden to coal to one empowered by clean, renewable power.

The post The Power & Potential of REZ appeared first on Northmore Gordon.