ZEN Energy and SA Government have signed a new energy supply contract to help power COVID recovery in the state, creating 810 construction jobs and supplying cleaner, cheaper and more secure electricity.

In a decade-long deal with the South Australian Government, the contract includes the construction of South Australia’s largest solar farm and the state’s 5th grid-scale battery.

ZEN Energy won the new contract after a rigorous process to supply power to the State Government through 2030. Selecting ZEN Energy is an example of the Government’s commitment to a uniquely South Australian organisation. ZEN Energy will supply the state with highly competitive renewable energy solutions.

“ZEN Energy is pleased to be able to continue to build a long term relationship with the SA Government to supply its electricity needs across all government sites. This recognises ZEN Energy’s high-quality customer service approach and innovative energy solutions.

This is a landmark contract for ZEN Energy’s business, building on other recent announcements for long term renewable energy supply contracts and reinforcing the ability for renewable energy to supply customers with clean, affordable energy solutions.

This contract continues ZEN Energy’s growth with more jobs at its head office in Adelaide.” said Ross Garnaut, Director ZEN Energy

In a statement from Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said, “The Marshall Government has used its significant purchasing power to secure the construction of a 280 MW solar farm at Cultana near Whyalla and 100 MW battery near Port Augusta – both projects will be delivered in partnership with SIMEC Energy Australia.”

This is an excellent outcome for taxpayers, for jobs, for power prices and grid security.

The Marshall Government’s energy policies are making these long-proposed projects a reality.

It’s a big solar farm and battery, with significant savings for taxpayers, creating a considerable amount of jobs.

The $660 million investment to deliver these two projects includes creating up to 810 new jobs at the peak of the construction phase and around $40 million in local goods and services.

These projects will be a coup for the communities of the Upper Spencer Gulf.

This new contract will allow ZEN Energy to grow its business customer base, enter the residential, retail market, and improve the grid’s security and reliability with the state’s 5th grid-scale battery.

Once operational, these new assets will have a positive impact on competition in South Australia and deliver emissions reductions and price reductions, saving SA households $10 on average on their electricity bills, on top of the $158 average reduction in our first two years in Government.”

The 10-year agreement commences on the 1st of November and will result in around $12.8 million in savings for taxpayers compared to the previous power arrangements.