We’re committed
In 2015, Origin became the first energy company in the world to commit to the first seven We Mean Business Coalition’s commitments. The We Mean Business Coalition is a global non-profit coalition and outlines a framework to accelerate business climate action for a net zero, 1.5°C-aligned world. We report on our progress each year in our Sustainability Report.
Our Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP)
Our Climate Transition Action Plan outlines our ambition to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions. It details the targets we’ve set to accelerate emissions reduction across our business. Importantly, our medium-term equity emissions intensity target and long-term net ambition to be net zero emissions across our full value chain by 2050, are consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Future-proofing our generation assets
With Eraring Power Station’s closure slated for August 2027, we’re future-proofing Australia’s largest power station. We’ve committed to the construction of a large-scale battery at Eraring. The first phase of the project consists of a 460 MW two-hour battery located adjacent to the power station, with an operational target date of late 2025. Construction of the second stage of the battery is scheduled to begin in early 2025, and come online in the first quarter of 2027, adding a further 240MW with a dispatch duration of four hours.
As one of the most flexible power stations in the National Electricity Market (NEM), it’s playing an important role in supporting Australia’s transition to renewable energy sources, while continuing to provide reliable and affordable energy to our customers.
Accelerating our investment in renewable energy
We’re developing a range of projects to expand our renewables portfolio and help lead the energy transition.
Solar energy
- We’re currently seeking development approval for Dapper Solar Farm, a 250-300MW solar development within NSW’s first Renewable Energy Zone.
- In February 2024, we acquired renewable energy developer Walcha Energy including their proposed 450MW Salisbury Solar Farm.
- In August 2022, we acquired Yanco Solar Farm. The 60MW project also includes a planning permit for a battery storage system.
- In April 2022, we acquired Yarrabee Solar Farm. The first stage of the project is expected to include 450MW of solar generation (with the potential for up to 900MW). Once developed, Yarrabee will be one of the largest solar farms in NSW. Planning approval also allows for a 25MW battery storage system.
Battery storage
- We’re seeking approval to construct a 500MW battery with a storage capacity of up to 2,000MWh beside our Darling Downs Power Station.
- Construction is underway on a large-scale battery energy storage system at our Eraring Power Station. The approved battery has a peak output of 700 MW for up to four hours (or lesser loads for longer periods) meaning it will be able to meet the energy needs of approximately 150,000 homes for up to four hours.
- Construction of a large-scale battery storage project adjacent to our gas-fired Mortlake Power Station commenced in mid 2024. The Mortlake battery will use lithium-ion battery storage technology and have a peak generation output of 300MW and a storage capacity of 600 MWh and will be commissioned in late 2026.
- We’re seeking approval to construct and operate a 200MW battery at Templers Creek with a storage capacity of up to 800 MWh.
Wind development
- In February 2024, we confirmed the acquisition of renewable developer Walcha Energy including their proposed Ruby Hills Wind Farm.
- In July 2023, we purchased the 7,586 hectare ‘Warrane’ property (now also known as the Northern Tablelands Wind Farm).
- Acquired in April 2024, the Yanco Delta project comprises a 1.5GW wind farm and an 800 MWh battery. The project has received both New South Wales Government development approval (December 2023) and EPBC approval (February 2024) making it one of the largest and most advanced wind and energy storage projects in New South Wales.
- In July, the Origin x RES Joint Venture secured a feasibility license to develop the Navigator North offshore wind project off the Gippsland coast in Victoria. The Navigator North project has the potential to deliver 1.5 GW of total installed capacity to the NEM.
The power of community
Community battery trials
We’re currently involved in several community battery trial programs with energy networks in Queensland and New South Wales. As Australia continues to transition towards renewable energy solutions, more and more of these batteries are being installed – from Bondi, to Bowral, to Bungarribee.
A community battery stores excess solar generated by rooftop panels, then shares it back with the community – helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It’s why we believe community batteries have an important role to play in Australia’s energy transition.
City of Melbourne
We’ve partnered with City of Melbourne to deliver three battery energy storage systems as part of its Power Melbourne project. Part of the project’s pilot stage, the batteries are set to be installed in 2024, helping support the city’s transition to renewable energy.
Creating change through partnerships
Our sports partnerships are about more than just a logo on a shirt, they’re about making small, but good changes for a better future – and giving sports fans the information they need to do the same.
In Sydney, we’ve assisted with the installation of EV charging solutions at the new Sydney Swans HQ, which recently received a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. For the past two years at Swans home games at the SCG, we’ve hosted fans in a VIP game day space. The ‘Home of the Fans’ space gives fans the chance to have a great match day experience, whilst also giving us the chance to showcase some great renewable solutions for homes, including solar and battery products, and information on how our Virtual Power Plant (VPP) works.
Melbourne City FC also recently opened its new facility, City Football Academy Melbourne, at Casey Fields. We supported the club by installing a 40kW rooftop solar system and 13.5kW battery, to help reduce its carbon footprint
We’re also the naming rights partners of the world champion Origin Australian Diamonds – and last year helped install four EV chargers for Netball Queensland at Nissan Arena.
Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
Our Virtual Power Plant (VPP), allows customers to be part of a smart, connected energy network, and contribute to a cleaner energy future.
It connects energy assets to work together like a mini power station to manage supply and demand. Our VPP currently has over 300,000 connected assets, with a total capacity of 1.4GW under management.
When energy demand is high, our VPP can send renewable energy stored in home batteries into the grid – helping boost energy supply across the network. It can also help preheat hot water storage systems during the day, when there’s extra renewable energy flowing through the grid.
More than 105,000 Aussie homes participate in SpikeHours – our energy-saving rewards program – through the VPP, encouraging people to reduce their energy use during peak times through gamification and rewards.
Supporting big business
Our dedicated Origin Zero team, helps large businesses across Australia accelerate their energy transition towards net-zero through a range of personalised energy solutions. From accelerating renewable energy adoption, helping reduce onsite greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, right through to transitioning to electric-powered assets, and offsetting carbon emissions.
We’ve partnered with businesses like Coles and JB HiFi right through to the iconic Aussie theme park Dreamworld to help reduce their carbon emissions (and even power roller-coasters) with renewable energy solutions.
Driving change
We’re helping make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) easier for Aussies, with a range of residential and business EV solutions.
Our EV team can help you make the switch through salary packaging, business subscription and fleet services. You might also be able to level up your charging game with EV Power Up.
We can even help with business and commercial charging solutions. Whatever your EV needs, we’re all about driving good change for Aussies.
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