Queensland's publicly-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo has struck a major agreement with the Scentre Group, to provide renewable energy for its Westfield centres across the state.
Minister de Brenni said the deal, which is the first of its kind for Scentre Group in Australia, was another major step for renewable energy made and delivered in Queensland.
"The Palaszczuk Government has a target to reach 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030 and we congratulate Scentre Group for joining us on this journey," Mr de Brenni said.
"Every time Queenslanders visit a Queensland Westfield, they will be supporting Queensland jobs and Queensland's net zero goals.
"CleanCo is unique in its remit – a government owned corporation that is leading the energy transformation in Queensland from the beginning to end of the supply chain – building and investing in projects and selling electricity to customers at the other end."
Renewable electricity will be provided for Scentre Group primarily from the Western Downs Green Power Hub, Kaban Green Power Hub, and the Dulacca Wind Farm, where CleanCo has power purchase agreements in place.
"Combined, these projects support more than 850 jobs, many in regional areas. So, every time a person shops in a Queensland Westfield, they can know they're doing their part to help Queensland reach net zero, while also supporting economic growth in the state," Mr de Brenni said.
"This deal is further proof of how our publicly-owned CleanCo is getting on with the job of connecting businesses in Queensland to clean, reliable energy from Queensland renewables and helping decarbonise our economy."
The announcement with Scentre Group follows a similarly large deal struck by CleanCo with Australian retail giant Wesfarmers in March, to provide renewable energy to Kmart, Target, Bunnings and Officeworks.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said the company was proud to be supporting Scentre Group to achieve its net zero aspirations.
"This deal is another example of how businesses are leading the way to help the state reach net zero, and how CleanCo is supporting businesses meet their own targets," Mr Metcalfe said.
"Agreements like this one with Scentre Group underpin our own target of bringing 1,400MW of new renewable energy into the market by 2025, while supporting the Queensland Government's 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 target.
"This agreement is a win for Queensland, a win for Westfield centres and a win for the environment."
Scentre Group CEO-Elect Elliott Rusanow said sustainability was a key part of the company's strategy and growth.
"We have a strong track record on sustainability, having already reduced our emissions by 30% since Scentre Group was established in 2014," Mr Rusanow said.
"The agreement with CleanCo will enable us to deliver our 50% emission reduction target by 2025 and is part of our plan to get to net zero by 2030."
