Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio has launched Victoria’s most comprehensive guide for communities wanting to establish renewable energy projects.
The Guide to Community-Owned Renewable Energy for Victorians covers the commercial, technical, governance and regulatory aspects of establishing renewable energy projects.
Ms D’Ambrosio launched the guide at Hepburn Wind’s annual general meeting at Daylesford on Saturday. Hepburn Wind is Australia’s first community-owned wind farm project, established with the help of the Victorian Government.
The guide will help local groups make informed decisions about establishing community-owned renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, small-scale hydro, geothermal, bioenergy (from waste products) and energy storage technologies.
The guide covers the development of sound business proposals, sources of possible funding (including crowdsourcing, grants and financing options), selecting the most suitable technologies, managing the project, stakeholder consultation and connecting to the grid.
The Andrews Labor Government’s support for community-owned renewable energy projects include:
- $200,000 grant to a community group in Newstead to develop a master plan for transitioning the town to 100 per cent renewable energy
- $100,00 grant for the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group to build a solar farm at the Black Forest Timber Mill in Woodend
- Drafting a discussion paper for community input ahead of delivering our commitment for the Macedon Ranges community wind farms.
The Guide to Community-Owned Renewable Energy for Victorians is available online:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“The renewable energy industry provides opportunities to grow Victoria’s economy, create new jobs and preserve our environment.”
“This new resource gives local community groups considering renewable energy projects the guidelines they need to make the best choices.”
“We’ve restarted renewable energy in Victoria, and now we’re committed to making our state the industry leader. That includes supporting community-owned projects including wind, solar and small-scale hydro.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020