The Victorian government has been called on to introduce an official community energy target, on the back of strong individual projects around the state.
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Totally Renewable Yackandandah, aiming for the town to be completely powered by renewable energy by 2022, has driven a 10 per cent rise in solar energy since its campaign started in 2014.
It was one of 92 organisations or individuals to put a submission into the Parliament’s inquiry into community energy projects.
Public hearings in the inquiry began this week with the Coalition for Community Energy, which has TRY as one of its members.
The coalition recommended 5 to 10 per cent of the government’s own target, for 40 per cent renewable energy by 2025, should come from community projects.
“There is significant community enthusiasm, passion, time and effort that – with the right policy support – can be unleashed to help deliver a range of Victorian Government priority policy outcomes,” the CCEnergy submission stated.
TRY told the inquiry the group had plans for a “Yackandandah-based mini grid project”, with the help of AusNet Services, which would include a community-owned energy retailer with a similar model to the YCDCo petrol station.
“We believe this transition (to renewable energy) is fundamentally important, inevitable and too slow,” the submission stated.
“The benefits are massive, the cost savings are huge and the opportunities are barely explored.”
The project was limited to the capability of Yackandandah volunteers and encountered “inconsistent and sometimes hostile state and federal government policy”.
Renewable Albury-Wodonga also called on the Victorian government to set aside a portion of renewable energy funding specifically for community groups.
“Growing renewable energy is vital for Victoria’s future,” RAW said.
“Doing so with community energy at the forefront will ensure benefits are accessible to local communities, creating jobs and investment in regional areas.”
Countrywide Energy, which is developing a solar farm in Wangaratta, told the inquiry it favoured community involvement, rather than complete ownership.
“If members of a community can own one, two or more PV panels in a solar farm and be able to enjoy a dividend from energy sales from that project, they are happy,” it submitted.
