Newcastle seeks service providers for community solar and EV charger program
City of Newcastle is inviting suppliers to participate in a bulk buy program aimed at increasing access to solar, batteries, and EV chargers for residents and small businesses to reduce costs and support the city’s goal of net zero emissions by 2040.
The City of Newcastle is expanding its renewable energy initiatives by launching a bulk buy program to make solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers more affordable for homeowners, landlords, and small businesses. Through a public Expression of Interest (EOI), the city is seeking providers to supply and install these technologies, with the application deadline set for 19 November.
Michelle Bisson, Executive Director of Planning and Environment at City of Newcastle, explained that this program will help address some of the barriers Novocastrians face in switching to renewables. “Studies have shown there are several barriers to switching to renewables, including people finding it too expensive and too complicated,” she said. The scheme is part of the broader Empowering Newcastle initiative, which seeks to make renewable energy more accessible while advancing the city’s net zero targets.
With the City of Newcastle’s residential solar uptake currently at 30%—below both the Hunter region and the state average of 35%—the council sees an opportunity to expand renewables in the area and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy. Bisson noted the environmental and economic benefits this program can deliver for Newcastle residents: “Increasing renewable energy uptake in households and businesses will lead to a reduction in emissions, while providing economic and social benefits.”
The Empowering Newcastle program is structured around the city’s Climate Action Plan (2021-2025), which outlines pathways for the City of Newcastle to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 within its operations and by 2040 across the local government area. This initiative is part of a larger framework to drive clean energy and low-emissions development, which includes renewable energy supply targets, transport electrification, and energy efficiency practices.
City of Newcastle’s broader renewable projects include the Summerhill Solar Farm, rooftop solar and battery installations, power purchasing agreements, and ongoing upgrades to public lighting. Additionally, the city plans to launch a bioenergy facility and implement circular economy practices to reduce waste emissions. These combined efforts contribute to Newcastle’s goal of achieving a net zero future, by collaborating with local schools, businesses, and community groups.
Following the selection of suitable suppliers, Newcastle aims to launch the bulk buy program in early 2025, offering residents the opportunity to install vetted renewable products. The program will also provide education on how these products can offer long-term financial benefits. For instance, virtual power plants allow residents to generate income by feeding excess energy back to the grid during peak times.
