ACU LEADS WITH RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY

CASE STUDY

ACU switched to 100% renewable electricity – cutting emissions and securing long-term financial stability

ENERGY SUPPLY STRATEGY, RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY PROCUREMENT

Realising a sustainable future through renewable electricity

ACU (Australian Catholic University) is a national university with 7 campuses and over 100 individual electricity supply points.

After achieving the status of Australia’s most energy-efficient University, ACU set the goal to switch to renewable and cheaper energy for its’ national campus network.

ACU appointed 1Circle as it’s energy procurement manager and achieved a cost-effective transition to 100% renewable electricity.

The results demonstrated that switching to renewables can be achieved with a net cost reduction and reduced financial risk through gaining fixed price long-term agreements for a national portfolio.

ACU extended its’ leadership as the most energy efficient university in Australia to obtain 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, achieve cost reduction, and strong stakeholder feedback.

Mark Doggett

ACU National sustainability manager, ACU

Challenge

ACU made a public commitment to protect the planet while improving the lives and prospects of all.

After achieving the status of Australia’s most energy-efficient University, they showed no sign of slowing down, having set a goal to switch to renewable and cheaper energy.

The project was challenged by:

    • Prominent goals and high student expectations
    • Renewables historically seen as expensive
    • Low awareness on energy use, cost and options
    • National portfolio (with different cost structures by State) with over 100 supply points

 

 

Solution

1Circle achieved the project’s goals through:

    • Detailed analysis of energy usage and costs
    • Diligent development of forecast requirements underpinning business plans
    • Educating stakeholders on renewable and standard power options and market risks and
    • Agreeing an energy sourcing strategy
    • Managing a competitive multiple-round procurement process to achieve leading market pricing
    • Continual support throughout the decision making and implementation process

Results

    • Achieved a net cost reduction
    • Provided financial stability through fixed pricing for 3-years, protecting ACU from volatile electricity prices
    • All electricity is sourced from renewable sources, eliminating 65% of ACU’s Emissions
    • Extended ACU’s sector leadership by being the most efficient Australian university and using renewable electricity
    • Unanimous support from all stakeholder groups for the switch to renewable energy, with stakeholders confidently educated about costs, sustainability options and broader benefits

1circle Energy Procurement Service:

1Circle is a specialist in procureing renewable and standard energy agreements  

Contact us to discuss your energy needs

Purpose

We consistently exceed our clients expectations using our specialised electricity procurement service that includes:

    • Developing energy supply strategies – how to achieve cheaper energy and move to renewables
    • Single site and portfolio (multi-site) procurement
    • Standard power
    • Renewable power including long-term Power Purchase Agreements and shorter-term Greenpower and other renewable options
    • Single customer and Group buying arrangements

Options

There are multiple competitive options for the supply of electricity via the grid that include:

    • Duration/Term: 1-5 years for standard agreements, 1-15 years for renewables
    • Emissions: standard power with emissions and renewable (certified renewable with no greenhouse gas emissions)
    • Variability and structure: fixed price by year, fixed price for all or part of the agreement term

Renewable electricity offers are taken from a greater range of options and as a consequence, have more considerations that impact price, cost risk, perception and relative complexity. 1Circle provides the guidance through these options

Process

Our five step process consistently delivers excellent outcomes.  A key feature is the care we take to inform and manage expectations of our clients

Refine target outcome including cost, contracting term, renewable outcome, use of on-site solar, risks

Define with clarity present energy use, cost and forecast changes in requirements

Manage multi-round competitive procurement process

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Rigorous financial and risk analysis, and support stakeholder decision making through to agreement

Manage the implementation of the agreement including budget updates and bill validation