Australia’s first First Nations owned energy retail company will provide electricity to build Victoria’s biggest road project, delivering 100% renewable power during the construction of the North East Link tunnels.
Yurringa Energy will deliver 137.5 GWh of renewable electricity – the equivalent of more than 91,000 solar panels producing power over a year.
The First Nations owned company was chosen following a competitive tendering process and will contribute to social procurement outcomes being achieved across state-shaping projects like North East Link. Victoria is playing a meaningful role in providing Aboriginal businesses with growth opportunities, having invested $700 million since the Big Build began.
The renewable energy will be used to power large site compounds for the project, and the massive tunnel boring machines, which will soon begin their journey helping dig the 6.5 kilometre road tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen.
Yurringa Energy founder Daniel Briggs says the contract is the first for the new business that is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for First Nations people.
"Yurringa Energy is proud to lead the way in First Nations procurement within the energy retail sector, demonstrating how it can transform Australia's economic landscape by significantly contributing to a growing First Nations economy.”
“Spark's dedication to creating a lasting legacy has been instrumental in our journey to become Australia's first First Nations energy retailer.”
It is also the first contract of its kind in terms of a social procurement outcome, contributing to the North East Link tunnels’ commitment of investing $90 million in social enterprises and Aboriginal businesses.
As part of the contract, Yurringa Energy has partnered with Alinta Energy which will ensure a reliable source of renewable electricity. It also includes a significant skills transfer agreement, providing a unique opportunity to provide training and development opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Spark Managing Director Marco Assorati says that the partnership goes well beyond providing electricity.
“We’re not just constructing roads, we are helping create a social legacy that will be felt for many years to come.”