Wedoany.com Report-Dec.1, Snowy Hydro has signed new long-term contracts in Australia for renewable wind power and large-scale battery storage.

The Golden Plains BESS is set to begin operations in late 2027.

Under a power purchase agreement with Aula Energy, Snowy Hydro will source 120MW of renewable generation from the Carmody's Hill Wind Farm located in South Australia. Supply under the 15-year agreement is scheduled to start in early 2029 and will support the company's growing retail customer base in the state.

Separately, Snowy Hydro concluded a 15-year virtual tolling agreement with TagEnergy covering 105MW (four-hour duration) from the 150MW Golden Plains battery energy storage system in Victoria. The facility is expected to commence operations in late 2027.

These latest deals follow an earlier 15-year, 220MW four-hour virtual tolling contract signed this year with Akaysha Energy for the 311MW Elaine BESS. Combined, the three battery agreements secure 325MW of storage capacity.

The company stated that the new contracts increase its total contracted wind, solar, and battery capacity to nearly 2,200MW while supporting the development of more than 3,600MW of renewable and firming projects across Australia.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said: "The agreements with Aula Energy and TagEnergy bring Snowy's contracted wind, solar and battery storage capacity close to 2,200MW and fosters the development of over 3,600MW of renewables and firming projects in Australia, bolstering our ability to support Australia as it transitions to renewable energy.

"Our unmatched mix of on-demand power and pumped hydro energy storage is what makes renewables work, enabling three times the clean wind and solar to come online.

"These new contracts enhance our role as an end-to-end generator and retailer, supporting the strong growth of Snowy's retail brands, which now serve more than 1.6 million retail customers."

Aula Energy CEO Chad Hymas said: "Securing this PPA with Snowy is a major step forward for Carmody's Hill Wind Farm and for our commitment to deliver reliable, renewable energy in South Australia."

"Snowy's leadership in the energy market reflects their position as a key customer driving change as we work towards a sustainable future."

TagEnergy managing partner Andrew Riggs said: "The addition of large-scale energy storage at Golden Plains is another important step forward in achieving a more secure and flexible supply of clean electricity for the people of Victoria."

“It’s great to continue working with Snowy who has been an important partner for Golden Plains Wind Farm.”