Working towards a net zero carbon future together

November 17 2021

• State Government energy utilities work together towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050
• Horizon Power, Western Power and Synergy release joint climate change commitment

State Government energy utilities Horizon Power, Western Power and Synergy have released a joint commitment to address climate change in support of the McGowan Government’s commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Each utility is playing a pivotal role towards a low carbon economy for the Western Australian community by trialling and implementing renewable energy solutions. They are also sourcing and retailing new energy products, and transforming infrastructure to deliver clean, green energy across their networks.

Working towards a decarbonised future together will enable the further uptake of renewable energy resources, grid stability and affordable electricity for all Western Australians.

All three utilities are working with private industry, and local, State and Federal governments to deploy the latest global technologies to deliver a variety of renewable energy solutions to customers.

Key strategic initiatives include standalone power systems for regional and remote communities, green hydrogen generation and storage, large scale energy storage solutions, distributed energy management systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Horizon Power, Western Power and Synergy are owned by the people of Western Australia and together provide essential services to customers and communities across the State.

Comments to be attributed to Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin:

“Here in Western Australia, we have an important decarbonisation role to play, not only in terms of our own environments, but also in trialling new, clean energy technologies for a wider industry benefit.

“At Horizon Power, our regional presence and proud history of delivering energy solutions for regional communities is enabling us to lead the way towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner.

“We have run the entire town of Onslow on 100 per cent renewable energy for close to two hours consecutively, as part of a world-leading trial for a regional micro grid.

“We are using advanced distributed energy technology to orchestrate customer rooftop solar with a centralised solution that combines solar energy, battery storage and back-up gas generation.

“In March 2022, we will switch over to a new generation solution for the Esperance region that will be powered by close to 50 per cent renewables, including wind, solar and battery smoothing, at the same time saving the Western Australian taxpayer $10 million a year.

“In Exmouth, we are delivering on an integrated resource plan in consultation with the local community that will see the town transition to 80 per cent renewable energy in the next three years, with a goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy longer term.

“In Denham, we are trialling a green hydrogen demonstration plant that will be integrated with solar and wind energy to power 100 homes, a first for an Australian remote micro grid.

“We have the solutions to achieve zero net carbon energy generation and distribution and we are at the cutting edge of deploying this technology across regional Western Australia.”

Media contact: 1800 799 745 or media@horizonpower.com.au