Wholesale prices in Australia's National Electricity Market have as much as tripled since 2016 and some companies are struggling with inflated energy bills and budgets. In parallel, businesses are working to respond to stakeholders or strategic demands for renewable energy adoption and more sustainable operations.
"Our partnership with Schneider Electric has proven valuable as we evaluate renewable energy and cleantech opportunities," said Bruce Frandsen, Senior Manager of Global Utilities and Sustainability for Equinix, Inc., a global internet services company with data center and colocation facilities in Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition to the consulting services, Schneider Electric is expanding its New Energy Opportunities Network™ to connect Australian companies with resources to navigate the process of evaluating PPAs, and other renewables and cleantech options. An online community of corporations, developers and solutions providers, the NEO Network gives members a forum to share insights, identify prospects and accelerate projects. It also provides access to exclusive global market intelligence.
Over 70 international organizations are already active in the NEO Network, including Equinix and more than 15 other companies with footprints in Australia.
"The array of technologies, contracting vehicles and market players can hinder companies," said Steve Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Schneider Electric Energy & Sustainability Services. "However, given the sharp incline of energy prices, organizations need to clear those barriers and act quickly."
Supported by the NEO Network, the new services include strategic project sourcing, negotiation and execution, including consultation on "club-type" or aggregated PPAs where two or more companies enter into a joint venture to purchase renewables at scale.
