Gippsland: Community Power Hub
The way we generate energy is changing
Community Energy (CE) refers to projects where a community initiates, develops, operates, and benefits from renewable energy.
In 2017 the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria committed to a two-year period to pilot setting up three Community Power Hubs (CPH) to bring together locals to develop community-owned and operated renewable energy projects in regional areas of Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley.
The Gippsland Climate Change Network was appointed as Hub Host for the Latrobe Valley CPH in the local government regions of the Baw Baw Shire, Wellington Shire, and Latrobe City Council.
However, at the end of the pilot phase this program was expanded to cover all six council areas across Gippsland. It aims to identify and overcome challenges faced by communities in delivering their renewable energy projects. To be an independent voice for community members to access advice, partners, and funding opportunities to realise their projects. Encompasses all forms of renewable energy projects from rooftop solar to off-grid systems and even large-scale solar farms.
It also showcases renewable technology solutions that can inspire other projects in the surrounding communities. Contributing both to local energy security as well as the State’s renewable energy targets.
These were some of the results found after independent analysis of the pilot phase between June 2017 and June 2019 of the Community Power Hub Model.
Project Support can Involve:
- Analysis of the situation and development of best value options
- Scoping of the works
- Defining the products needed
- Helping to find suppliers and contractors
- Recommending and connections to finance or funding options
- Assistance with grant applications
- Assisting with project management
- Commissioning and assessment of the results
Some of the Projects:
