Politics & Council
29 May, 2024
New energy benefit in renewable zones
COMMUNITIES hosting renewable energy infrastructure have been promised benefits from a new State Government fund. The fund was announced this week, just days after Transmission Company Victoria more than double the fee it will pay to access land on...
COMMUNITIES hosting renewable energy infrastructure have been promised benefits from a new State Government fund.
The fund was announced this week, just days after Transmission Company Victoria more than double the fee it will pay to access land on the proposed VNI West transmission route through northern areas of the Loddon Shire.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio on Monday unveiled the draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan for consultation.
However, the nearest consultation session for Loddon residents was held in Swan Hill last week.
A Government spokesman said: “Residents from any location that is not covered by a dedicated workshop and drop-in session can attend the online statewide workshop.”
A REZ Community Energy Fund will be created in each of the state’s six renewable energy zones and communities will be able to apply for funds for projects that improve power supply, lower energy bills and create energy jobs.
Loddon Shire is in a renewable energy zone and has been slated for hosting multiple solar farms, including facilities at Derby and Campbells Forest.
Both were originally planned to have been connected to the energy grid but a start has not been made on either project.
VNI West’s Transmission Company Victoria, part of the Australian Energy Market Operator, on Tuesday said a new AEMO report highlighted “the need for continued development of critical transmission projects to reduce forecast reliability risks to Australia’s electricity systems”.
“VNI West is one such project that will improve the reliability and security of electricity supply by harnessing renewable energy in both Victoria and NSW.”
AEMO’s report warned of power blackouts in Victoria this summer because of delays with renewable energy projects.
The State Government says its community fund will be available for community microgrids, network upgrades or bulk purchases of solar panels or heat pumps.
“Benefits for traditional owners will be developed as part of this plan through direct engagement and any benefits will need to deliver economic empowerment and support self-determination,” it said
“The funds for communities and traditional owners are in addition to payments to landowners that host transmission infrastructure, who receive $200,000 per kilometre of transmission hosted on their properties, which is on top of existing compensation arrangements.
“Guidelines for significantly impacted neighbour benefits will also be introduced, recognising that properties next to land that hosts new transmission infrastructure.
“The new measures in the draft REZ Community Benefits Plan will apply to all new renewable energy projects built in the REZ Zones as well as new transmission projects.”
According to Ms D’Ambrosio: “We’re making sure regional and rural Victorians and Traditional Owners get the best outcomes from the energy transition with special funds to for community energy projects.”
“As our old coal fire generators close, new renewable energy and transmission infrastructure is critical to keeping the lights on and delivering energy reliability and affordability for all Victorians.”
VicGrid, the agency conducting consultation on the draft community benefit plan, says: “Through community engagement so far, we know more needs to be done to achieve better outcomes for hosting communities and deliver lasting benefits that are flexible, responsive, community focused and shared fairly. “
Consultation closes next month with the final plan scheduled for release in September after mid-year release of community submissions.