General News
10 June, 2024
Parker wants renewable energy rules to respect community
GOOD rules that look after communities in renewable energy zones would be needed across Victoria, according to VicGrid chief executive officer Alistair Parker. Mr Parker said there would be a decade of work for VicGrid in developing the zones and...
GOOD rules that look after communities in renewable energy zones would be needed across Victoria, according to VicGrid chief executive officer Alistair Parker.
Mr Parker said there would be a decade of work for VicGrid in developing the zones and community benefits.
Loddon Shire is in the Murray zone with permits already in place for solar farms at Derby and Campbells Forest.
Work has not started on either site after initial timetables of connecting to the grid by this year were not met.
AUSNET has received ministerial planning approval to build a renewable energy transfer station at Campbells Forest.
Mr Parker, who was in country Victoria last week for consultations on VicGrid’s draft REZ community benefits plan, told the Loddon Herald that the he was anxious the fund had rules “to look after the community”.
He said not all plans for renewable energy projects would proceed.
“There will be a limit,” he said. “There is not going to be enough capacity for every proponent to proceed.”
The controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project would be picked up in VicGrid arrangements and the community benefit fund.
However, Mr Parker did not believe existing solar farms would be included in the fund.
Mr Parker said the fund would be used for locally-selected energy projects to help supply reliability and cost.
According to the Government, possible projects would be community microgrids, network upgrades or bulk purchases of solar panels or heat pumps
VicGrid was also preparing land evaluation guides to use by valuers when assessing compensation for energy projects, including consideration of diluted land values. Mr Parker said the biggest challenge in rolling out renewable energy infrastructure was to have empathy and sympathy with landowners.
“People will be worried about ... it’s confronting,” he said.
Mr Parker said engagement with Gippsland landowners on wind farm plans had proceeded public release of projects. Australia Energy Market Operation was criticised for engaging with owners after releasing plans.
Mr Parker expects his final report on the community benefit fund will be with the State Government later this year.