BARWON SOUTH WEST RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP - CAPTURING OUR COMMUNITY'S VIEWS
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BARWON SOUTH WEST RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP CAPTURING OUR COMMUNITY'S VIEWS
Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 1
_
CONTENTS
Minister's Foreword 2
About this Roadmap 3
Our Renewable Energy Landscape 4
Community Engagement 6
Understanding our Communities and Stakeholders 8
About the Great South Coast 8
About G21 12
The Faces of our Community 16
Community Driven Renewable Energy 18
Uniquely Positioned for a Renewable Energy Future 20
Renewable Energy Generation in Barwon South West 24
Wind 25
Solar 30
Bioenergy 34
Regional Collaboration for a Renewable Energy Future 36
Continuing the Conversation 40
Acknowledgement of Barwon South West's Aboriginal communities
The Renewable Energy Roadmap project team acknowledges Barwon South West’s
Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays its respects to their elders past
and present. The project team recognises the intrinsic connection of traditional owners
to country and acknowledges their contribution to its care. We acknowledge Aboriginal
people as Australia’s first peoples and as the traditional owners and custodians of the land
and water on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal
people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of
reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.
t Artwork by Year 3/4 Barwon South
West student, Lachie Irvine Published December 2019
2
MINISTER'S FOREWORD
On behalf of the Victorian Government, I am
pleased to present the Victorian Regional
Renewable Energy Roadmaps.
As we transition to cleaner energy with new These Roadmaps articulate our regional
opportunities for jobs and greater security of communities’ vision for a renewable energy
supply, we are looking to empower future, identify opportunities to attract
communities, accelerate renewable energy investment and better understand their
and build a more sustainable and community’s engagement and capacity to
prosperous state. transition to renewable energy.
Victoria is leading the way to meet the Each Roadmap has developed individual
challenges of climate change by enshrining regional renewable energy strategies to
our Victorian Renewable Energy Targets provide intelligence to business, industry
(VRET) into law: 25 per cent by 2020, rising to and communities seeking to establish or
40 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030. expand new energy technology
development, manufacturing or renewable
Achieving the 2030 target is expected to
energy generation in Victoria.
boost the Victorian economy by $5.8 billion -
driving metro, regional and rural industry The scale of change will be significant, but
and supply chain development. It will create so will the opportunities.
around 4,000 full time jobs a year and cut
Each community has a part to play in
power costs.
embracing cleaner energy and the benefits
It will also give the renewable energy sector it brings for a brighter future.
the confidence it needs to invest in
renewable projects and help Victorians take
control of their energy needs.
Communities across Barwon South West,
Gippsland, Grampians and Loddon Mallee The Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP
have been involved in discussions to help Minister for Energy, Environment
define how Victoria transitions to a and Climate Change
renewable energy economy. Minister for Solar Homes
State Government of Victoria
Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 3
ABOUT THIS ROADMAP
This Roadmap captures the Barwon South
West community’s views following significant
engagement and consultation between
April and September 2019.
It is part of a very important, ongoing This Roadmap is about collaboration and
conversation about the region’s transition engagement, particularly understanding
to a renewable energy future and reflects how the various regions across Victoria
the unique characteristics and the lived can contribute to our state’s renewable
experience of the people of Barwon South energy targets while delivering benefits
West . for their own households, businesses and
communities.
The Barwon South West community
understands we must plan and act with I'd like to thank Barwon Water for hosting
purpose to achieve our renewable energy this project. Their own renewable energy
goals. There are some differences in ambitions are an example of what is
the experience and opinions of Barwon possible with focus and collaboration.
South West residents, when we look and
What resources are available and what
listen deeper to the feedback from our
opportunities do they provide? Are
communities in the west (known as the
communities and regions “renewable
Great South Coast) and the east (known
energy ready”? And what can we learn from
as G21). These differences are explored
their “lived experience” to date?
in more detail later in this Roadmap,
but essentially result from the “lived These are just some of the questions being
experience” of Great South Coast residents asked as part of constructive, focussed
of renewable energy generation projects, conversations which continue across our
mainly wind farms. state. Working with our communities we
will continue to listen and learn, refine
At the time this Roadmap was produced,
our shared priorities and develop action
three local councils in our region – Surf
plans to progress these priorities – working
Coast Shire, City of Warrnambool and
together with a common purpose.
Moyne Shire – had declared a climate
emergency. This is significant, because
these council declarations reflect how Colleen White
Barwon South West communities are
Regional Director
feeling about the current and emerging
Barwon South West
issues associated with our climate.
Department of Environment,
Land, Water and Planning
4
OUR RENEWABLE ENERGY LANDSCAPE
SOUTHERN
GRAMPIANS SHIRE
GLENELG SHIRE
Hamilton
MOYNE SHIRE
Mortlake
Portland Warrnambool
CITY OF
WARRNAMBOOL
Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 5
Great South Coast Wind Farm
G21 Wind Farm (under construction)
Large Scale Solar (>250 kW)
Bioenergy Facility
500 kV transmission line
275 kV transmission line
220 kV transmission line
CITY OF
GREATER GEELONG
Geelong
Terang
Camperdown
SURF COAST
Colac SHIRE Torquay
CORANGAMITE
SHIRE BOROUGH OF
QUEENSCLIFFE
COLAC OTWAY
SHIRE Lorne
Apollo Bay
Source: Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), 2019a, System Strength 2018-19.
Retrieved from www.aemo.com.au [Accessed 18 October 2019]
6
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
LISTENING, LEARNING AND SHARING WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES
Over almost six People from all walks of life
contributed to the conversation,
TALKING, months between across community events such as
LISTENING, April and September markets and festivals, in schools,
and via an online survey.
LEARNING AND 2019, across many
SHARING forums and using a Barwon South West residents
spoke up about what was
Collaboration, consultation variety of stakeholder happening with renewable energy
and engagement with local engagement tools, the in their area, and what they thought
communities was key to this about it. What did they see as the
Roadmap’s development.
Barwon South West benefits of renewable energy to
Across Barwon South West, community shared the community and region? What
this process involved:
their aspirations, are the challenges and constraints?
What type of renewable energy
• Engagement and
desires and interest systems are of most interest to our
consultation activities
over almost six months. in renewable energy communities, and what does the
best mix of energy generation look
• More than 30 qualitative generation and use, like for our region? Discussions also
interviews with various and any constraints or covered who should finance and
stakeholders.
concerns, based on run renewable energy generation,
• Multiple stakeholder and residents let us know anything
workshops and meetings their experience and else that was on their mind about
across the east and west knowledge. renewable energy.
of our region.
In all, more than 500 people
• Engagement at local
across the nine Local Government
events – farmers’
Authorities (LGAs) that make up
markets, open house
Barwon South West were part of
events, local hall
this engagement. They gave frank
meetings and festivals
feedback about what people in
attended by thousands
our region think about renewable
of people.
energy, and several key themes
• Structured “listening emerged.
posts” to ensure
conversations were
consistent.
• Detailed online survey.
• Engagement with our
region’s youth, via
sessions held in schools
and in after school youth
groups.
Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 7
KEY THEMES
SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE THE BENEFITS
IS STRONG Sharing and retention of benefits derived from renewable
energy infrastructure development in our region is key with
There is strong support across our region for renewable
Barwon South West residents, and building and maintaining
energy generation and a progressive transition to
trust between them and developers is critical. People felt
renewables. People understand that this transition is
it was important that renewable energy projects in the
essential, given the rising costs of energy supply to
region created local jobs and an economic boost to local
households and businesses and the pressures of climate
businesses. Barwon South West is uniquely positioned
change.
within regional Victoria to capitalise on renewable energy
Very few people (less than one percent of all residents technology growth, with 30 specialist firms identified in the
who contributed), did not support a shift to renewable Victorian Government’s “Wind and Solar Facilities – Victoria
energy. Their key reasons for not supporting the Business Supply Chain Directory” situated in Barwon South
transition were perceptions about reliability of supply, West.
appropriate use of valuable agricultural land and a
perception that Australia’s contribution to climate
change was so small compared to other countries that it
didn’t matter how we produced our energy.
WIND AND SOLAR ARE THE
PREFERRED TECHNOLOGIES
Wind and solar renewable energy generation are seen by
TAKE A STRATEGIC APPROACH AND communities across our region as the most appropriate,
given the climatic conditions and advantages, and offering
LISTEN TO THE COMMUNITY the most potential, now and into the future. Wind and
An important theme which emerged was community solar are also the types of energy generation that Barwon
concern that renewable energy generation projects South West residents know most about.
were not being planned in a systematic way across
Victoria, leading to rushed and ad hoc projects. People
were concerned that the rollout of renewable energy
was being driven by the priorities of large commercial
developers who did not listen to community concerns or
act in the community’s interest. One of the community’s
main concerns was productive agricultural land being CUT DOWN THE COMPLEXITIES AND
used for renewable energy projects. COSTS, AND MAKE IT EASIER
The most consistent concern raised by stakeholders was Barwon South West residents are interested in a renewable
poor community consultation about proposed renewable energy future for the region and state, but said they see
energy projects. People felt they weren’t involved in the the current rules and regulations as highly complex and
planning of renewable projects in their area and that preventing community involvement and innovation in the
developers sometimes overstated the benefits. renewable energy space. For example, residents say it is
confusing to know how to go about getting rooftop solar
and that battery storage or small-scale renewable energy
projects are too expensive and this prevents some, like
dairy farmers, from installing solar systems as they use
most of their energy when the sun isn’t shining.
8
UNDERSTANDING OUR
COMMUNITIES AND STAKEHOLDERS
Barwon South West covers an area of more than 2.9 million hectares,
incorporating several major regional centres including Geelong, Colac,
Warrnambool and Hamilton.
ABOUT THE GREAT SOUTH COAST
The Great South Coast’s
vision is to transition to
100 percent renewable SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS
energy in a strategic SHIRE
and well planned way
that equitably shares
the benefits amongst Hamilton
the community. GLENELG
SHIRE
CORANGAMITE
Mortlake
The Great South Coast region SHIRE
covers 23,000 square kilometres of MOYNE SHIRE
Camperdown
predominantly rural and coastal areas
Portland
in Victoria. The region has significant Warrnambool
infrastructure attributes including
major passenger and freight road and
CITY OF
rail assets and thoroughfare and the
WARRNAMBOOL
Port of Portland.
It also abounds with natural
resources (particularly wind and
sun) and environmental assets and
attractions including marine and
already, residents can provide a
coastal parks such as the Twelve The Great South Coast contains
unique understanding of the benefits
Apostles Marine National Park and some of the best renewable
and challenges of renewable energy
the Budj Bim, Great Otway and energy resources in Barwon South
generation, particularly large-scale
Grampians National Parks. With a West, indeed in Victoria. It also
wind development.
population of 101,7021 the Great has some of the best transmission
South Coast includes these local infrastructure, offering a competitive Two councils within the Great
government areas (LGAs): Glenelg advantage for the region. The area South Coast, Moyne Shire
Shire, Southern Grampians Shire, has great potential to benefit from and City of Warrnambool,
Moyne Shire, City of Warrnambool Victoria’s renewable energy transition have declared climate change
and Corangamite Shire. and, because of heavy investment in emergencies, reflecting the views
renewable energy in the region and priorities of local constituents.
1
ABS2016aBarwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 9
RENEWABLE ENERGY CHALLENGES AND p Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
INITIATIVES CONSTRAINTS
Renewable energy generation, Great South Coast community • Local councils need clarity on how
particularly wind, has long been a members noted the following to manage requirements under
feature of the Great South Coast potential challenges and constraints various relevant State Acts – for
region. Further development is to further renewable energy example those that cover noise
underway in all of the five LGAs generation development and take-up and nuisance (Public Health and
represented in the western end of within the area. Wellbeing Act 2008) and wind
Barwon South West. Initiatives at • The number of existing and farm approval planning conditions
either aspirational or feasibility stages committed large-scale wind (Planning and Environment Act
include but are not limited to: farms in some areas means some 1987).
• Port Fairy Smart Energy Precinct. residents are seeing landscape- • Community engagement
• Negotiations with South Australia scale change all around them and requirements should be clear,
for a cross-border biohub. feel they have had little say. consistent and part of permit
• Hydrogen bus network. • A lack of a strategic, co-ordinated requirements.
• Hamilton industrial land bioenergy. approach to how and where wind
• Biochar energy (including for farms will be located and no
carbon sequestration). shared understanding of what is OPPORTUNITIES
• Green hydrogen export from reasonable.
Great South Coast community
Portland. • Roads and other local town
members also saw a number of
• Hydrogen production. infrastructure (like bridges) are not
opportunities for renewable energy
• Hydrogen refueling station. fit for large-scale infrastructure
development in their part of Barwon
development and the impact of
• Power upgrades for dairies. South West. They suggested the
heavy vehicles and the cost of
• Zero carbon plans. following:
repairs is often borne by local
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) governments. • Think as a region and take a co-
to obtain 45 percent renewable ordinated approach.
• Local councils need support as
energy. • Replace natural gas with
they are left with the responsibility
• Electric vehicle charging renewable energy alternatives.
of making sure wind farms comply
infrastructure – strategy
with their permits creating a • Ensure profits and benefits stay
opportunities “charging the
significant burden on council within the region.
region”.
resources. They want to work • Improve waste management.
• Port of Portland operating and with those responsible for setting
supporting the development • Look to improve regional jobs
permit conditions.
of large-scale renewable and growth, including education
• Large-scale wind project and training facilities focussed
infrastructure in the region.
construction has decreased on retaining young people in the
• Renewable energy power take-
the availability of short-term region.
up incentives and programs for
accommodation and affordable
industry and business.
housing for low socio-economic
status groups.10
GLENELG SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS
SHIRE SHIRE
Population Population
19,7582 16,1232
Area Area
621,857 ha 665,402 ha
Average annual solar Average annual solar
exposure exposure
15.5 MJ/sqm 15.8 MJ/sqm
Average wind speed Average wind speed
6.9 – 8.9 m/s 7.5 – 8.5 m/s
Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation
Existing rooftop solar, solar Existing rooftop solar, solar and
and wind farms have up to wind farms have up to 77.8 MW
154.9 MW of renewable energy of renewable energy capacity3.
capacity3. Solar and wind farms Solar and wind farms under
under construction or approved, construction or approved,
combined with a full rollout of combined with a full rollout of
rooftop solar across the region, rooftop solar across the region,
would add a further 227.5 MW would add a further 137.1 MW
of capacity4. of capacity4.
In 2019 Glenelg Shire Council Southern Grampians Shire Council
undertook and published a Renewable is focussed on a renewable energy
Energy Study to investigate the future, with recent initiatives including
potential to develop the shire into participation in a Power Purchase
a renewable energy hub for the Agreement initiated and facilitated by
state. The study looked at four key the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances.
renewable energy types – solar, wind,
biomass and hydrogen – on the basis
they were most easily implementable,
financially viable, with long-term future
application and market potential
in addition to delivering strong job
growth. Glenelg Shire is committed
to demonstrating leadership in the Victorian average
renewable energy sector. annual solar exposure
14 – 19 MJ/sqm
Victorian average
t The Twelve Apostles
wind speed
3.5 – 10 m/sBarwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 11
MOYNE CITY OF CORANGAMITE
SHIRE WARRNAMBOOL SHIRE
Population Population Population
16,7372 34,2422 16,2432
Area Area Area
548,169 ha 12,095 ha 440,749 ha
Average annual solar Average annual solar Average annual solar
exposure exposure exposure
15.3 MJ/sqm 15.3 MJ/sqm 15.3 MJ/sqm
Average wind speed Average wind speed Average wind speed
7.2 – 8.7 m/s 7.7 – 8.5 m/s 7.5 – 8.5 m/s
Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation
Existing rooftop solar, solar Existing rooftop solar, solar and Existing rooftop solar, solar and
and wind farms have up to wind farms have up to 7.1 MW wind farms have up to 13.8 MW
536.7 MW of renewable energy of renewable energy capacity3. of renewable energy capacity3.
capacity3. Solar and wind Solar and wind farms under Solar and wind farms under
farms under construction or construction or approved, construction or approved,
approved, combined with a full combined with a full rollout of combined with a full rollout of
rollout of rooftop solar across rooftop solar across the region, rooftop solar across the region,
the region, would add a further would add a further 237.8 MW would add a further 172.2 MW
1,065.6 MW of capacity4. of capacity4. of capacity4.
In October 2019 Moyne Shire The City of Warrnambool Council is Corangamite Shire Council has
Council joined a growing list of one of three in our region that has undertaken energy efficiency audits
Australian councils declaring a declared a climate emergency. It has resulting in energy saving upgrades
climate emergency and calling for also committed to being a carbon to council buildings and generated
urgent action to address climate neutral organisation by 2040 and 156 MWh as a result of solar PV on
change. This declaration followed among other things is looking at kindergartens.
a presentation to councillors from options for a hydrogen powered bus
their Youth Council, expressing their network.
extreme concern about the impacts
of climate change on their future.
Moyne’s 2019-2029 Economic
2
ABS2016a
Development Strategy lists renewable 3
Capacity figures for both large-scale and rooftop solar include
energy as a key point under its an 80% efficiency factor for conversion from Direct Current
to Alternating Current. Sources: Australian PV Institute, 2019,
Economic Direction 3 Major Local Mapping Australian Photovoltaic Installations (PV Postcode Data
Industries. Moyne leads the way as & Large-Scale PV Systems). Retrieved from pv-map.apvi.org.au
[Accessed 18 October 2019] and Department of Environment,
Victoria’s wind energy hub and more Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), 2019, Wind farm and Solar Farm
general locations (shapefiles).
information on the shire’s commitment
4
Potential capacity is based on postcode figures developed by
to renewable energy can be found at the Australian PV Institute (accessed Oct 2019, pvmap.apvi.org.
www.moyne.vic.gov.au au) and recalculated to apply best fit to the region. It is not an
estimate of currently approved projects/installations.12
ABOUT G21
G21’s overarching vision
for the region is to work
together, be strategic, GOLDEN PLAINS
SHIRE CITY OF
make connections and
GREATER
focus on economic, GEELONG
social and environmental
solutions to create a Geelong
positive future for young
people, and progressively
SURF COAST
shift to a sustainable world
SHIRE
for generations to come. Colac Torquay
BOROUGH OF
COLAC OTWAY QUEENSCLIFFE
The G21 region covers 594,000 square
SHIRE
kilometres and include these LGAs: Lorne
Colac Otway Shire, Surf Coast Shire,
City of Greater Geelong, Borough
of Queenscliffe and Golden Plains
Shire. Golden Plains Shire, while
Apollo Bay
not technically a part of the Barwon
South West region, is part of the G21
Geelong Regional Alliance, and the
views of some of its southern residents
are covered in this Roadmap. “sea changers”, many of whom and is fast-tracking its switch to
commute to Melbourne for work. renewable electricity. After only
Geelong is the largest city in
three years of action Barwon Water
the region and the second largest city The Great Ocean Road, part of which is
is now 60 percent renewable (based
in Victoria. The Surf Coast Shire is one in G21, is an integral part of the fabric
on implemented and committed
of three in Barwon South West which of Barwon South West.
projects) with a 3MW solar farm at
has declared a climate emergency,
The road and its surrounding Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant
following advocacy and activism on
environment are also at the forefront and an innovative bioenergy project
this issue from local residents.
of the impact of a changing climate underway in Colac that is planned to
Community engagement with increased erosion events, storms save 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions
indicates G21 residents are very surges and rising sea levels. per year.
supportive of a renewable energy
The G21's water corporation,
future for the region. The G21
Barwon Water, has committed to a
area covers retirees and lifestyle
zero net emissions future by 2030 q Rainforest walk in the Otway Ranges.Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 13
RENEWABLE ENERGY CHALLENGES AND • Work with regional TAFEs and
universities to develop appropriate
INITIATIVES CONSTRAINTS skill-based programs. Conduct
G21 communities have strong The following challenges and audits to understand what skills
aspirations to move to a renewable constraints came up as part of are needed, what we have, and
energy future. This end of consultation with G21 communities: address the gaps.
Barwon South West also has a • Solutions to renewable energy • Look to undertake study tours
well-coordinated approach for challenges must be equitable to and exchanges – within Victoria,
collaboration to achieve these ensure a just and fair transition Australia and internationally – to
aspirations through the G21 alliance. for all. share renewable energy initiatives
Initiatives at either aspirational or • Lack of clear, consistent policy. and experiences.
feasibility stages include: • Communicate more clearly
• Impacts of any development on
• Deakin University micro-grid. the region’s natural environment. and effectively on the benefits,
• Surf Coast Shire’s renewable • Lack of appropriately skilled, local opportunities and limitations of
energy target of 25 percent by workforce. renewable energy technology.
2020. • Slow uptake of technology. • Develop a collective, co-ordinated
• Colac Otway Shire’s goal of being • Lack of modelling data and regional vision for G21 and the
carbon neutral by 2020. 99 kW shared learnings, local and broader Barwon South West.
solar on Bluewater. 99 kW solar international. • Look for renewable energy
on council offices. • Lack of regional vision. collaboration opportunities across
• Proposed 6MW solar farm – • Resource constraints. G21 through local governments
feasibility study pending. and sustainability groups.
• Waste management.
• Water Corporations and Local • Lack of focus on culture, sharing • Work to prioritise renewable
Government Power Purchase experiences, building the case energy projects, understand “hot
Agreements (PPA). for change, normalising the spots” and constraints so decision
• BRACE community Power renewable energy experience. making is informed and balanced.
Hub (eight community-based • Focus on waste management
renewable energy groups). and its impact on the local area.
• Barwon Water 100 percent
renewable energy by 2025 and
OPPORTUNITIES Develop a product stewardship
program for renewable energy
zero emissions by 2030. G21 communities are solution- waste, such as solar PV panels
• Local Government procurement focused and offered the following and batteries.
policies which encourage ideas to government, regulators and • Tell our stories, look to share,
renewable technologies. legislators as a way forward: mentor and lead with renewables.
• Green Tech Advisory Committee • Support energy decentralisation • Being part of a network of
to support small-to-medium initiatives, such as micro-grids, Community Power Hubs across
enterprises to adopt energy virtual power plants, and other Victoria.
efficiency measures. community energy projects.
• Geelong Technical School • Develop and promote policy
school-based projects. that fosters regional innovation
• Micro-grid investigations at Basil’s and local strategies that clearly
Farm. contribute to Victoria’s overall
• Corporate fleet electric vehicles. targets.
• Supply chain development with • Understand the impacts of
Vestas in Geelong providing local renewable energy generation on
business opportunities. local assets in G21, marine and
• Inverleigh wind farm proposal. terrestrial.
• Community groups working on
specific projects, for example the
Community Owned Renewable
Energy (CORE) Geelong.14
COLAC OTWAY
SHIRE
Population
21,3625
Area
343,747 ha
Average annual solar
exposure
14.8 MJ/sqm
Average wind speed
6.5 – 9.2 m/s
Renewable energy generation
Existing rooftop solar, solar
and wind farms have up to
140.0 MW of renewable energy
capacity6. Solar and wind farms
under construction or approved,
combined with a full rollout of
rooftop solar across the region,
would add a further 205.9 MW
of capacity7.
Colac Otway Shire Council has
committed to be a carbon neutral
organisation by 2020, undertaken
energy audits at nine key council
facilities and installed a 99 kW PV
system on its sport and recreation
centre, Bluewater. Further energy
efficiency upgrades are planned
and a range of additional measures
are being considered, including
purchasing green power and / or
carbon offsets.
t Aerial view of the City of Greater GeelongBarwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 15
SURF COAST CITY OF BOROUGH OF
SHIRE GREATER GEELONG QUEENSCLIFFE
Population Population Population
30,4655 239,5295 2,9295
Area Area Area
155,294 ha 124,799 ha 862 ha
Average annual solar Average annual solar Average annual solar
exposure exposure exposure
15.2 MJ/sqm 15.3 MJ/sqm 15.5 MJ/sqm
Average wind speed Average wind speed Average wind speed
7.0 – 9.4 m/s 7.2 – 8.1 m/s 7.6 – 8.1 m/s
Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation
Existing rooftop solar, solar Existing rooftop solar, solar and Existing rooftop solar, solar and
and wind farms have up to wind farms and bioenergy facilities wind farms have up to 1.4 MW
11.8 MW of renewable energy have up to 64.1 MW of renewable of renewable energy capacity6.
capacity6. Solar and wind farms energy capacity6. Solar and wind Solar and wind farms which are
under construction or approved, farms under construction or under construction or approved,
combined with a full rollout of approved, combined with a full combined with a full rollout of
rooftop solar across the region, rollout of rooftop solar across rooftop solar across the region,
would add a further 189.1 MW the region, would add a further would add a further 30 MW of
of capacity7. 1,409.9 MW of capacity7. capacity7.
Surf Coast Shire has adopted a target City of Greater Geelong Council Borough of Queenscliffe Council has
of 25 percent renewable energy has installed two rooftop PV undertaken two rounds of energy
by 2020, has initiated the website systems and planned a further 21 bulk buy programs for residents
Powered by Positive to help people systems to be installed by the end (noting that 54 percent of houses
access the best information on of 2019. It continues to embed One are not permanently occupied). It is
renewable energy and established Planet Living principles across the now looking to partner with Deakin
its Renewable Energy Taskforce to organisation and is one of the 48 University, electricity distributor
support the community to transition local governments planning to join Powercor and the local community
to renewable energy. The Shire is one the PPA initiated and facilitated by to achieve its aspiration of being
of three in Barwon South West which the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances. 100 percent renewable.
has declared a climate emergency,
Geelong is a designated UNESCO
following advocacy and activism on
City of Design and its Cleantech 5
ABS2016a
this issue from local residents.
Innovations Geelong is a business and 6
Capacity figures for both large-scale and rooftop solar include an
industry support program with a vision 80% efficiency factor for conversion from Direct Current to Alternating
Current. Sources: Australian PV Institute, 2019, Mapping Australian
to establish Geelong as a Centre of Photovoltaic Installations (PV Postcode Data & Large-Scale PV Systems).
Retrieved from pv-map.apvi.org.au [Accessed 18 October 2019] and
Excellence for cleantech in Australia. Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), 2019,
Wind farm and Solar Farm general locations (shapefiles).
7
Potential capacity is based on postcode figures developed by the
Australian PV Institute (accessed Oct 2019, pvmap.apvi.org.au) and
recalculated to apply best fit to the region. It is not an estimate of
currently approved projects/installations.16
THE FACES OF OUR
COMMUNITY
A wide range of community views were shared
during this consulation and engagement process.
The particular perspectives of four key community
segments are captured here.
LIVING OFF THE LAND – FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVE
Farmers interviewed were government support to help with the
supportive of transitioning to technology transition, noting that
renewable energy, but saw the biggest constraint to investing
some practical difficulties in in renewable energy generation is
achieving it. They recognised the cost. Supply reliability was a concern,
benefits to the environment, and given that farmers’ livelihoods
expected a greater proportion of depended on it. Some farmers were
renewable energy supply to reduce considering going back to using
energy costs. Many expressed diesel because of the current cost
an “ownership” sentiment, of power. Farmers noted there are
acknowledging it was up to government subsidies for the coal
everyone to do their bit to help industry but no specific support for
deliver a cleaner energy future. farmers to transition to a renewable
energy future.
Some challenges raised included
land use conflicts, a lack of coherent
YOUNG PEOPLE SAY WE MUST ADDRESS
CLIMATE CHANGE
Over 150 locals aged between 11 and around and hope others will fight
18 had their say and indicated they are for a better future for ourselves and
concerned about climate change and others. We must be proactive, educate
its impact on their future. They have a ourselves and take action” she says.
good understanding of how energy is
The biggest priority for youth was
currently produced, and they want that
reducing pollution. They felt it was
to change, to have less impact on the
also important that energy supply is
environment. They identified the main
reliable and the community has more
constraints to achieving this change as
say in how energy is supplied. They
cost and the complexity of needing to
listed solar and wind energy as they
change the whole energy system.
two most popular forms of renewable
Alex Marshall from Surf Coast Shire energy for the future and were
is passionate about working for a enthusiastic about finding new ways to
sustainable future. “We cannot sit produce and store energy.Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 17
MOBILISING GLOBAL CONCERNS
INTO LOCAL ACTION
Judith Brooks is a member of the grid in Victoria that will not meet our
Barwon Heads Association and future needs. We must find ways to
a strong believer in the power of overcome current technical limitations
thinking globally and acting locally. and we should be focussing on battery
storage and localised distribution of
Judith sees a lot happening across
rooftop solar generation,” says Judith.
Barwon South West, and she believes
there is opportunity for better, regional Communities sharing information
co-ordination. “There are a lot more and knowledge will be key and
people worried about climate change, community groups like the Barwon
and discussing it, than the authorities Heads Association are well placed to
realise. The support for renewable lead and influence the conversation.
energy is based on its promise to give Judith says, “I see multiple benefits
households a cleaner and cheaper for our community. The potential
energy source which will stop the for renewables to invigorate small
rise in temperatures associated with businesses by reducing the cost of
global warming. There is real support power bills is significant. Renewable
for renewables but the community is energy generation development
beginning to understand that their is essential and it needs to be
effectiveness is limited by a power appropriately resourced.”
TRADITIONAL OWNER PERSPECTIVES ON
RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Traditional owners have a continuing Legislative and policy drivers Melinda Kennedy, Manager Land
connection to country and waters upholding the connection to Sea and Waters for Wathaurung
that are being identified and country and waters are bound in the Aboriginal Corporation, says
developed for renewable energy. Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners
Damein Bell, CEO Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Settlement Act are intrinsically linked to land, sea,
Traditional Owners Aboriginal 2010, the Native Title Act 1993 and sky, all waters and all living beings,
Corporation, says, “Traditional through the Environment Protection and therefore hold high respect and
owners and their cultural heritage and Biodiversity Conservation responsibility to country. “Our country
are bound to the land in both Act 1999 with national and world is being damaged long-term with
physical and other intangible ways. heritage listings. Damein says, over development. Cultural heritage
There needs to be an opportunity “Traditional owners understand lies all across our land and waterways,
and process for cultural heritage the need to transition to renewable something which is not always
protection and management energy generation sources. But the recognised. We wish for engagement
to be considered as part of the impact of the industrialisation of the in all aspects of the process of
development of renewable energy renewable energy sector must be planning, and any ongoing works with
and other industrial installations. balanced with the maintenance and renewable development. Traditional
Government planners and industry growth of healthy country for the owners must be present during
developers must have appropriate community and the environment, these processes. Current planning
cultural awareness, including including its ecologies of plants, processes do not include our stories
training, from the outset of their animals and fish. Traditional owners and pathways and water and sky and
feasibility investigations, so that require information and resources our creatures and we wish to protect
recognition of country is part of to best understand and contribute them and move towards better
all stages of the development to the renewable energy industry education in understanding this, to
process.” across Barwon South West.” strengthen partnerships and work
together for a healthy future.”18
COMMUNITY DRIVEN
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Barwon Region Alliance for energy education caravan is active
Local community Community Energy (BRACE) is in Warrnambool and Port Fairy, and
energy groups share a network of community energy is now working with the regional
a vision for the future groups whose purpose is to facilitate community there. Future ambitions
in which everyone has cooperation and collaboration include supporting a campaign to
access to affordable, among its members to support establish a network of Community
reliable and 100 a wide range of local community Power Hubs across Victoria, energy
percent renewable energy initiatives. Current members efficiency audit and upgrade services
energy. include: 100% Clean Bellarine, for low income households, solar
Anglesea Community Energy, gardens for renters, a peer-to-peer
Barwon Sustainable Energy Alliance, energy trading platform, and micro-
Community energy projects can help Birregurra Community Group, Colac grids for remote communities with
people participate in the shift to Otway Sustainability Group, Geelong unreliable supply.
renewable energy both at home and Sustainability, Southern Otways
BRACE has identified a number
in their community, bringing a range Sustainable and Surf Coast Energy
of challenges and constraints to
of benefits for everyone. Community Group.
achieving this future, including the
energy projects include bulk-buy
BRACE members are passionate need to raise public understanding
schemes which can help households
about driving the transition to a and acceptance of renewable
buy quality systems from trusted
renewable energy future and has energy technologies and
installers at lower prices. Community
delivered a number of initiatives developments, improving rooftop
donation and investment projects
already. These include solar PV and solar PV installation standards, and
can help local schools, organisations
battery bulk-buy schemes and the ensuring that the energy transition
and businesses install rooftop solar
installation of rooftop solar power is just and fair.
systems. Larger community owned
systems on school and community
renewable energy projects can help
buildings. South West Community
towns and regions produce more of
Energy Incorporated’s renewable
the energy they consume.Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 19
_
CASE STUDY
ANDY’S
SUSTAINABLE
ENERGY FOCUS IS
BLOOMING
When Andy Doeven was retrenched
from his corporate job, he and his
wife Debbie decided to buy a 20 acre
block of blackberry infested land with
a view to developing an energy self-
sufficient flower growing operation.
With no background in electricity
generation, farming (or flowers!),
Andy set to work. Self-taught, and
with plenty of initiative and ingenuity,
Andy and Debbie’s property now runs
on a mix of energy sources, including
solar and wind, and battery storage.
Andy also has a petrol generator,
which is for backup use only.
Andy’s place has all the normal,
modern conveniences, including
TV and internet and he’s installed a
roof sprinkling system on the house
and shed fed by two small dams
on the property. He collects water
for domestic use from his roof and
pumps it into a header tank using an
electric pump on sunny days.
Andy estimates he has spent a few
thousand dollars over the past 25
years on set up and maintenance of
his property’s energy generation and
storage solutions. Andy says, “This
type of set up is well within everyone’s
reach. I don’t see any constraints, and
I don’t understand why more people
aren’t pursing small-scale energy
generation and behind-the-meter
opportunities. There are systems
available now, second hand, and
they’re very affordable.”
Energy storage, via batteries, is key to
Andy’s success. “Even on cloudy days
we have electricity because of the
behind-the-meter storage system.”20
UNIQUELY POSITIONED
FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY
FUTURE
A combination of REGIONAL
natural and built assets TRANSMISSION
and infrastructure, an INFRASTRUCTURE
engaged and active Large-scale generation development
community, a skilled needs transmission capacity so the
energy produced can be transported
workforce, a first class to consumers. The more generators
university and two TAFE connect in a particular area, the more
transmission network capacity is
institutions each with
needed.
multiple campuses, and
Barwon South West has the benefit of
a culture which is open a strategic high voltage, 500 kV
to change sees Barwon transmission line. It links the Latrobe
Valley generators and the Geelong-
South West as uniquely Melbourne metropolitan area in the
capable of delivering east (the state’s major electricity
and capitalising on demand hub), the Portland Aluminium
Smelter to the west (the largest
the renewable energy individual consumer of electricity in
transition. Victoria), and, further west, South
Australia via the Heywood
This section focuses on the interconnector. This interconnector is a
infrastructure and manufacturing vital link for two-way trade of
advantages of the region (the substantial amounts of electricity
community culture and renewable between South Australia and Victoria.
resources are described in other
While this transmission infrastructure
sections of this Roadmap) and gives
was built originally for large transfers
some case study examples of how
of electricity from east to west, it now
this region is open and committed to
increasingly looks set to provide the
making the most of its combination
means to transport electricity in the
of assets and experience.
opposite direction.
Connecting to a 500 kV line is
attractive for renewable generation
developers, as their risks of not being
able to maximise their plant’s capacity
are lower than if they connected in
more remote areas without access to
a major transmission line like this.Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 21
Transmission infrastructure and Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) of Barwon South West
500 kV transmission line
275 kV transmission line
220 kV transmission line
Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)
SOUTHERN
GRAMPIANS SHIRE
GLENELG SHIRE
Hamilton
CITY OF
GREATER
GEELONG
MOYNE SHIRE
Mortlake
Geelong
Terang
Camperdown
SURF
Colac COAST Torquay
Portland
Warrnambool
CORANGAMITE
SHIRE BOROUGH OF
QUEENSCLIFFE
COLAC
OTWAY Lorne
WARRNAMBOOL
SHIRE
Apollo Bay
That’s why the Australian Energy
Market Operator (AEMO) identified
MANUFACTURING In this time, Barwon South West
manufacturers have demonstrated
the region surrounding this RENEWABLE ENERGY significant capability, manufacturing a
transmission line as one of the Manufacturing has been an important range of important renewable energy
optimal zones for development of part of Barwon South West, and components.
Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) particularly the towns of Geelong and But these communities know that
in the National Electricity Market Portland. Both have built up expertise manufacturing is an extremely
(NEM)8. According to AEMO’s and skills in value-adding to raw competitive sector. Without continual
2018 ISP, the existing transmission materials from our mining sector and investment to advance technological
infrastructure could accommodate fabricating and assembling a range capabilities and maintain economies
around 2,000 MW of new generation of metal products for the automotive of scale, factories ultimately
capacity (some of which is already sector, defence, construction and get overtaken by international
being built). homes. As a result it has an extensive competitors that do make these
This transmission will allow the supply chain through well established investments.
Barwon South West area to exploit businesses, including transport and
Looking forward, manufacturers
its renewable energy resources logistics.
seek policy certainty to invest with
to serve not just local needs for Over the past two decades, our confidence in the long-term outlook.
electricity, but also major demand region has seen renewable energy Investment in new equipment,
centres in Geelong and Melbourne booming globally and seized the technologies and skills is vital
as well as greater Victoria, and via chance to build on its existing for manufacturers to achieve the
interconnection to support other manufacturing capabilities to increase kind of scale and technological
states in the NEM. employment in this growing industry. advancement that is critical to global
competitiveness.
8
Page 48 of AEMO’s 2018 Integrated System Plan. The NEM covers New South Wales and the ACT, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.22
_
CASE STUDY
REVIVING THE OLD
GEELONG FORD FACTORY
TO ASSEMBLE WIND
TURBINES
When the Berrybank and Dundonnell wind
farms were selected as two of the winning bids
under the Victorian Government’s renewable
energy contracting tender, the turbine supplier
to the projects – Vestas – agreed to establish a
manufacturing operation in Victoria.
In partnership with Geelong-based Marand
Precision Engineering, Vestas established a turbine
assembly and testing centre and selected the
former Ford motor engine factory as a suitable site.
Vestas Asia Pacific President, Clive Turton,
observed that, “In Marand we are partnering
with an experienced manufacturing service
provider with outstanding capabilities and skilled
personnel. Their experience in automotive,
aerospace, defence and rail industries meets all
of our requirements around quality and technical
expertise.”
The revived plant will be used to assemble
drivetrains and hubs – as well as test other wind
turbine components that will ultimately be used for
the Dundonnell and Berrybank Wind Farms. The
centre will also form a logistics hub for equipment
and servicing needs of wind farms.
The establishment of the Vestas centre is expected
to deliver investment of around $3.5 million
and directly employ more than 20 people. It
will also form a training centre that will aim to
skill-up hundreds of Victorians in wind turbine
maintenance.
Vestas will also partner with Deakin University’s
Carbon Nexus research centre which specialises in
investigating ways to improve the use and reduce
the cost of super strong and extremely light carbon
fibre. This research collaboration will examine
ways to make wind turbine blades longer, stronger,
while keeping weight down and make them more
effective in harnessing the energy within the wind.
t The Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria at the
opening of the Vestas centre in Geelong.
Photo: VestasBarwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 23
_
Over a decade and a half ago, According to Steve, a pivotal
CASE STUDY Australia produced almost all the element that provided the
towers used for wind turbines in this confidence to expand employment
WIND TURBINE country across several manufacturers. has been the Victorian Government’s
TOWER Keppel Prince, based in Portland in
Barwon South West, has ridden the
target to expand renewable energy
to 50 percent by 2030, and the fact
MANUFACTURING roller coaster of Australia’s changing
climate change and energy policies
they’ve backed this with a process
for awarding contracts to new
IN PORTLAND and is now the only manufacturer wind power projects that requires
remaining. minimum levels of local content.
Keppel Prince General Manager, Steve says the wind industry is always
Steve Garner, oversees a plant that advancing, with towers growing
began manufacturing wind turbine in size to exploit the use of longer
towers in 2000, when Victoria’s first turbine blades which can extract
private sector commercial wind farm greater amounts of energy from
was established at Codrington. lower wind speeds. This creates
opportunities, but also challenges,
Right now the business is strong. With
because the larger base required
a total of 360 staff, it is the second
for these taller towers necessitates
largest private sector employer
investment in larger manufacturing
in Portland, not far behind the
facilities – investments that only make
aluminium smelter. Keppel Prince’s
sense with confidence orders will
tower manufacturing operation
p Steve Garner, General Manager
continue over the longer term.
doubled its workforce in 2018, thanks
of Keppel Prince, a wind turbine
manufacturer in Portland Victoria to a surge in construction of new
with the Minister for Energy, wind farms across Victoria.
Environment and Climate Change
the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio, MP.
Photo: The Warrnambool Standard24
RENEWABLE
ENERGY
GENERATION
IN BARWON
SOUTH WEST
As was reflected in the
community’s feedback, the
key sources of renewable
energy generation in
Barwon South West are
wind and solar. Biomass is
an emerging technology
which is increasingly being
harnessed in our region.
Barwon South West communities have
an appetite for innovation and are keen
to learn about, and if possible use new
renewable energy generation sources,
which may still be in their infancy. Over
the years geothermal generation has
been experimented with in Barwon South
West, and with a world famous coastline,
great knowledge and experience
has been gained via various trials to
harness the ocean’s energy. The most
successful renewable energy generation
technologies used now, and likely in the
future in Barwon South West, are wind,
solar and, increasingly, biomass and
these are the focus of this section of the
Roadmap.
t Macarthur Wind FarmBarwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 25
WIND
The Barwon South West region As a result of early concerns a broad In addition, the region has another
possesses some of the highest policy change was introduced, five wind power projects currently
quality wind resources that are close restricting wind farms from under construction, equal to 806
to robust transmission infrastructure. being built within two kilometres MW of capacity, and a further two
of a dwelling, and excluding projects of 79 MW which have
It is why it was a pioneering region
development altogether in areas been contracted but are not yet
in the development of wind power
of Victoria considered to be a committed to construction. These
in the country. Codrington Wind
‘protected landscape’, such as the projects are anticipated to produce
Farm, located west of Port Fairy,
Macedon Ranges. close to another three million
was the first modern wind farm
MWh of electricity per year – equal
developed and built by the private Although the early 2010s saw a
to 780,000 Victorian households’
sector in 2001. Codrington and the slowing of investment in wind in
electricity consumption. This
other “Portland Four” wind farms the region, Macarthur Wind Farm,
exceeds the combined number of
– Yambuk, Cape Bridgewater and connected in 2012, has stood for
households across every region of
Cape Nelson (south and north) and several years as Australia’s largest
Victoria outside of metropolitan
Cape Sir William Grant – were also wind farm by a substantial margin
Melbourne.
built in this period, and all are still (it has 420 MW of capacity with the
operating today. next largest project being 270 MW). Projects that have been contracted
or have entered construction since
Across the mid-to-late 2000s, After 2014, and in the context of
2016 are providing substantial
the trend of large-scale wind a new state government policy
employment in Barwon South West
farm development continued. supportive of renewable energy, a
and across the rest of the country.
A slew of permit applications number of new permit applications
Once construction of all these
was made, including Macarthur, came forward including Golden
projects are complete they are
Oaklands Hill (Glenthompson), Mt Plains and Dundonnell wind farms.
estimated to have provided around
Gellibrand, Moreton’s Lane, Salt A number of previously approved
2,000 job years of employment.9
Creek, Woolsthorpe, Ryan Corner, applications also moved to
Hawkesdale, Mortlake South and construction stage. The combination of our region’s
Berrybank. Of these, Macarthur, currently operating wind farms
In 2017, the State Government
Oaklands Hill, Mt Gellibrand, and those in construction and
introduced its Victorian Renewable
Morton’s Lane and Salt Creek are all contracted will produce around a
Energy Target (VRET) legislation,
operational. quarter of Victoria’s entire supplies
and also set a target for greenhouse
of renewable energy.
In the Grampians region to the gas emission reduction across the
north, the Waubra and Challicum state. The region currently has wind
Hills wind farms were also approved farms in operation with a total of
and constructed during this time. 698 MW of capacity. These projects
The Waubra Wind Farm became the produce almost 1.9 million MWh
focus of concern about noise and per annum. This is equal to the
health impacts. average electricity consumption of
484,000 Victorian households – more
than double the total number of
households in the entire Barwon
South West region.
9
ROAM Consulting/Ernst & Young research undertaken for the Clean Energy Council which estimated 0.1 FTEs per megawatt installed.
ROAM Consulting (2014) Report of the Clean Energy Council – RET Policy Analysis26
Wind farm development across Barwon South West
Operating Permit application lodged
Under construction EES in preparation
Approved (not operational) Pre-application (announced)
Oaklands Hill
32
Hexam
125
Mortons Lane
13
Salt Creek
Hamilton 15
Berrybank
Hawkesdale 79
26 Dundonnell
Kentbruck 80
Mt Gellibrand
157 44
Macarthur
My Fyans
140
Mortlake 85
Geelong
Willatook
83
Terang
Codrington Woolsthorpe Camperdown
14 20 Colac Torquay
Portland
Portland Warrnambool
Cape Bridgewater Inverleigh
Yambuk Ryan Corner
29 16
20 56
Lorne
Portland
Cape Nelson Portland Mortlake South
22 Cape Sir William & 35
Cape Nelson North
23 Timboon Apollo Bay
West
3 Ferguson
3
THE OUTLOOK FOR This is equal to the consumption
of almost 2.9 million Victorian
projects proposed, and upgrades
would be required. Other important
WIND households, and 24 percent of factors influencing whether projects
In addition to the 698 MW of capacity Victoria’s overall annual electricity proceed include whether there is
currently operating, the region consumption. sufficient local community support,
has an additional 885 MW under when existing fossil fuel capacity
Substantial employment would
construction or contracted, with a retires, and the potential addition
be created through construction
further 3,644 MW of wind farm sites of energy storage such as pumped
of these projects, equivalent to
identified for development. On top hydro and batteries to the wider grid.
around 4,700 full time jobs over
of the 1,583 MW of wind power a two year construction period. Even if only half of the proposed
projects that are operating, under Ongoing employment in the capacity proceeds, it would represent
construction or contracted in Barwon operation and maintenance of the a substantial source of new power
South West, another 3,644 MW of wind turbines would provide full supply and employment for Victoria
wind farm sites have been identified time work for 360 people over the and Barwon South West. It would
for development. 25 year life of these projects. also lead to a dramatic reduction in
If all of these projects were able to Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions,
Whether these projects ultimately
obtain sufficient transmission capacity which is vital given Victoria has one
proceed to construction will be
and proceeded to construction, of the most emission intensive power
determined by a complex array
they could be expected to produce supplies in the developed world.10
of factors. The region’s current
around 11.2 million MWh of electricity transmission infrastructure is
a year. insufficient to support all of the
10
From the OECD’s website, at www.compareyourcountry.org/climate-policiesYou can also read
