Renewable energy in Gippsland

A proposal by the state government to develop Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) has been welcomed by the Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN).

In a media statement, the network said “Gippsland is already experiencing unprecedented transformation across our energy industries, so now is the right time to start the conversation around how a REZ could benefit our region.”

In November 2020, the state government announced a clean energy package that included a $540 million project to establish six renewable energy zones.

One of the identified zones was in Gippsland.

The network is urging the local community to get engaged in the process to ensure Gippsland sees the full benefit of the proposal.

“The GCCN is confident that our region is primed to be a leader in the renewable energy space and will continue to attract multiple renewable energy projects by focusing on a coordinated approach,” the Network stated.

It further said resisting the move to renewables would leave Gippsland “without essential new energy capacity to replace the declining brown coal energy generation” and would have a negative impact on local communities.

“Gippsland has always been Victoria’s powerhouse. If we do not transition smoothly to renewable power generation by listening to the needs of our community, we risk losing our position to interstate generators,” said Darren McCubbin, CEO, Gippsland Climate Change Network.

The CEO of Wellington Shire David Morcom, said it had the potential “to become a renewable energy hub”.

“We hope that Gippsland will be prioritised as a REZ in the very near future as we have projects that are fully scoped and ready to be developed.”

GCCN said the current renewable energy projects proposed for the region represent substantial capital investments totalling over $30 billion.

“As electricity generation accounts for over 50 percent of Victoria’s carbon emissions, our transition to clean energy is vital. Transforming how we live, work, and produce energy underpins how we will secure a liveable and sustainable future against the worst impacts of climate change.”

The Gippsland Climate Change Network is a Gippsland wide not-for-profit and registered charity focused on connecting and collaborating with local communities, businesses, and government organisations around climate change awareness and solutions.

Ausnet investigates

AusNet Services General Manager Infrastructure Damien Sanford said the company supported the call from the Gippsland Climate Change Network and was investigating options for the Gippsland area.

“Victoria is undergoing an energy transformation, as we transition to a renewable energy future.

“As part of that transition Gippsland is attracting unprecedented interest from renewable energy developers, due to its excellent renewable energy resources, access to existing high voltage transmission infrastructure and recent government announcements relating to offshore wind energy targets,” he said.

“These regional infrastructure investments will bring with them substantial economic benefits, including opportunities for significant local jobs during both the construction and operational phases.

“AusNet Services supports the Wellington Shire Council and Gippsland Climate Change Network’s progressive stance about the region’s energy future, and as the owner and operator of Victoria’s transmission network, AusNet is well placed to help lead the coordination of local renewable energy generators’ connections into the grid.

Mr Sanford said a coordinated approach to Victoria’s first industry led Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in Gippsland offered the opportunity for multiple renewable energy projects to connect to the grid via shared infrastructure and eliminates the need for individual connections.

“This approach minimises impacts on the environment, community, and landowners, while coordinating and delivering meaningful benefits for the community.

“AusNet has commenced a project, known as the Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone project (G-REZ), to investigate what transmission infrastructure might be needed to support a REZ in Gippsland.

“While we are still in the early stages, we have been speaking with renewable energy developers with projects in Gippsland and some regional stakeholders, and we look forward to listening to and speaking with landowners and the broader community over the coming months.

“These conversations will help us better understand local needs and expectations of a REZ in the region.

Details of REZ project at www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/renewable-energy-zones