General News
29 September, 2024
Time ticking on energy review
CONSULTATION on using Loddon Shire land for future renewable energy projects will close on Monday. The Victorian Transmission Plan has the shire within tier one, and has triggered approaches to landowners by energy companies. Spanish-owned Accion...
CONSULTATION on using Loddon Shire land for future renewable energy projects will close on Monday.
The Victorian Transmission Plan has the shire within tier one, and has triggered approaches to landowners by energy companies.
Spanish-owned Acciona Energia met with farmers from the Boort district earlier this month.
And the Loddon Herald understands an announcement could be close on the Derby solar farm that had been scheduled to start generating power this year but is still to make a start on construction.
Sungrow Renewable Energy won a second round Victorian Renewable Energy Target auction for the Derby project two years ago.
Loddon Shire also sits in the Murray renewable energy zone.
VicGrid’s consultation on the transmission plan closes on Monday with the authority saying “we’re giving communities a real say in the process and putting in place new arrangements to share the benefits of the energy transition more fairly”.
Chief executive Alistair Parker said the plan would ensure Victoria built the right amount of energy infrastructure in the right places at the right time.
“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria, and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach,” he said.
“We need the input of regional communities, farmers, landholders and First Peoples so we can get this right for all Victorians, reduce impacts and deliver real benefits.”
VicGrid says the initial study area for potential future renewable energy zones is the first step in a process over the next 12 months and is a starting point for further investigation.
“The initial study area will now be narrowed down to much smaller areas through engagement and further analysis, as we work to define future renewable energy zones. We will take a much closer look at what sorts of renewable energy development are compatible with what sorts of farming, considering things like the heights of farm machinery and what’s appropriate in irrigation areas.”