A three-year partnership with Origin Energy is set to take Logan from net zero to “real zero,” while also reducing costs and easing strain on the energy grid during peak demand.
Key aspects of the agreement include the installation of large solar panels and battery storage at energy-intensive sites, such as wastewater plants, which council claimed would “reduce emissions and operating costs”.
During the day, solar energy would power operations at the sites, while any excess generation would charge the batteries for use when solar is not available.
Council also planned to take part in Origin’s demand response program, moving flexible energy load away from high-demand periods to boost grid stability.
As part of the plan, many of council’s energy assets will be connected to Origin’s virtual power plant, Loop.
Council said there would be an option to extend the deal for an additional three years.
Mayor Jon Raven said the innovative agreement made sense as the city’s population continued o grow.
“As the fastest-growing city in Queensland and also one of the youngest and most diverse, people are moving here and putting demand on the energy grid,” he said.
He said that large sites, such as the Loganholme Wastewater Treatment Plant, could be taken off the grid during peak times.
“For example, when people are cooking dinner at 6pm and placing high demand on the grid, we can run the treatment plant on alternative energy sources for a few hours and then reconnect when demand drops,” Cr Raven said.
Council and Origin will also explore using “next generation” battery storage technology, community batteries, electric vehicles and charging stations.
“We’re focused on projects that will deliver a brighter future for the City of Logan by working in close partnership with Origin,” Cr Raven said.
“It means we can start to move away from carbon offsets towards full decarbonisation, while also reducing council’s energy costs.
“Imagine what the energy landscape would look like if every council across Australia worked hand in hand with the sector like this.”
Origin Zero General Manager Enterprise and Strategic Partners, Liam McWhirter said the deal was tailored to suit Logan’s decarbonisation journey.
“We applaud council for their initiative, and we look forward to working in partnership with them on a range of initiatives,” he said.