Logan City Council has announced an innovative partnership with Origin Energy aimed at enhancing the city’s energy sustainability.
This Australian-first Energy Partnership Agreement will focus on transitioning from net zero emissions toward achieving real zero while simultaneously supporting the region’s energy grid.
The agreement, which spans an initial three years with the possibility of a three-year extension, includes several projects designed to manage on-site renewable energy generation and consumption.
Key initiatives involve the installation of large-scale solar panels and battery storage at energy-intensive sites, which will help reduce emissions and operating costs for the Council.
The on-site solar installations will power daytime operations, with excess energy stored in batteries for use during non-sunny hours. The Council will also participate in Origin’s Demand Response Program, which aims to shift flexible energy loads away from peak demand periods, thereby stabilizing the grid. Many of the Council’s energy assets will be linked to Origin’s Virtual Power Plant, Loop.
Mayor Jon Raven emphasized the significance of this agreement as Logan experiences rapid population growth, stating, “As the fastest-growing city in Queensland, people are moving here and putting demand on the energy grid.” He highlighted the potential for large Council facilities, such as the Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant, to operate off the grid during peak times.
Other initiatives being considered under the partnership include next-generation battery storage technologies, community batteries, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Origin Zero General Manager Liam McWhirter expressed pride in collaborating with the Council, stating, “We are proud to be working with Logan City Council to support them on their decarbonisation journey in a tailored and flexible way.”
Logan City Council has a history of sustainability, achieving carbon neutral certification in late 2022 and implementing various eco-friendly initiatives. These efforts have resulted in a 35% reduction in emissions, equivalent to avoiding 85,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. For more information, visit logan.qld.gov.au/sustainability-initiatives.
