RE-Alliance is a community-based organisation working to secure a renewable energy transformation filled with sustainable, long-term benefits for regional Australia.
PO Box 107
Bungendore, NSW 2621, AU
A fantastic listen on SwitchedOn podcast with Sally Hunter of Geni.Energy Limited talking Local Energy Hubs ⚡
I was thrilled to have the chance to talk thru some ideas for maximising the benefits to our rural communities from the transition to renewables - locally led solutions that put community and environment at their heart. Thank you Anne Delaney for guiding me on my first podcast journey! #localenergyhubs #rural #renewables RE-Alliance https://lnkd.in/gsK_XWYR
RE-Alliance reposted this
Very pleased to get a chance to talk about one of my favorite topics - the need to properly engage local communities in the shift to clean energy. The starting point has to be information - locally based, easy for people to access, and expressed in ways that makes sense to them in the place they live. It's an insightful piece from Rachel Williamson that combines a bunch of different and thoughtful takes on the issue. RenewEconomy Dennis Freedman
RE-Alliance reposted this
Day One of the Better Futures Australia Forum 2024 kicked off in Canberra at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, focusing on local initiatives and national strategies to build a more equitable, climate-resilient future. Key topics included the challenges of decarbonising Australia's energy systems, with $5.4 billion investments in WA for wind energy to exit coal by 2030, BUT still expanding fossil fuel production for exports. Speakers emphasised the importance of an inclusive energy transition, ensuring access to renewable energy for all, especially under-resourced communities. The Forum spotlighted the need to prioritise First Nations self-determination and ensure regional First Nations communities can benefit from access to renewable energy solutions. Speakers also addressed the complexities of the energy transition, including the need for 55,000 apprenticeships by 2027 and retrofitting 9 million homes to ensure no-one misses out in the benefits of Australia’s pivot to clean energy. A key highlight was the Marlinja Community Energy Project, which aims to deliver a just energy transition for First Nations peoples, tackling energy insecurity through a 100% community-owned micro-grid. It was incredibly inspiring hearing from Madie Sturgess and Chantelle Johns on their powerful work through Original Power. Community-led initiatives like RE-Alliance’s work with local councils and the need to shift narratives around renewables to one of shared benefits and local stories was another great takeaway. From supporting disadvantaged communities to building community-owned batteries, the Forum called for stronger government intervention and bold, ambitious packages. The conversations on Day One were full of optimism and commitment to democratising renewable energy in Australia. Looking forward to Day 2 today! Groundswell Giving, Environmental Leadership Australia (ELA), Karen Kandur, Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN), Climate Capital Forum, Climate Action Network Australia, Australian Communities Foundation, Ethinvest, Philanthropy Australia #BetterFuturesForum #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #Renewables #CommunityEnergy
Victorian state MPs say YES to Local Energy Hubs! ⚡ We hosted an event last night at Parliament House in Melbourne talking about what Local Energy Hubs would be and why they're so needed to support communities in our shift to renewables. Big thank you to the MPs who attended: Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Sheena Watt MP, Tom McIntosh MP, Alison Marchant, Daniela De Martino MP, Tim Read and Sarah Mansfield MP. Special thanks to our wonderful speakers David Clark, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria, Justin Coburn of Beon Energy Solutions and Wendy Farmer of Friends of the Earth Australia. The momentum for Local Energy Hubs continues to grow! Friends of the Earth Australia Community Power Agency
How would nuclear fit into Australia's energy mix? The nuclear lobby has answered: switch off rooftop solar. The design of our energy system is moving on. Before renewables, coal-fired power stations pumped out electricity 24 hours a day. But now, this type of “always on” baseload power is no longer commercially viable. The greening of the electricity grid means we need far more flexibility. Solar and wind can do the heavy lifting, provided we have enough storage and something we can quickly switch on and off to fill the gaps. One in every three Australian homes already has solar panels on their roof. The only way to make nuclear power work is to switch off this cheap renewable energy we've already installed. Read more via The Conversation Australia + NZ article: https://lnkd.in/gDNbBN_K
RE-Alliance reposted this
After 4 years of being displaced in temporary housing in Borroloola, last week Original Power, Bushgrid Solar and local partners Ngardara Cooperative were proud to bring Garrwa elder Shirley Simon and her family home to West Island - Mumathumburru, supported by the installation of a new 100% off-grid solar system West Island's aging power system failed back in 2020, but like so many homelands in the NT the family had no support to restore essential services, instead they were forced to move to town. But Shirley never gave up, and with the backing from GARUWA the short film highlighting the struggle for homeland energy security, Power to Country was made and toured widely around the country. The generous donations of those audiences allowed us to not only install a 100% renewable energy system on Mumathumburru, doing away with the need for costly diesel generator backup, but also restore rain and bore water and add WIFI communications so the family can continue their management of Borroloola's stunning sea country from a home base We couldn't be prouder of the project team underpinning this powerful return to country story, and to say thank you to all those who supported Shirley's journey home we're sharing these heart-warming homecoming celebration images - we wish you could be there to share the joy Please check out our Case Study on Solar-Powering Mumathumburru here and help spread the good news! https://lnkd.in/gsZJKbU4? Thanks to photographer Rachel Mounsey for the incredible images captured, Rory and Jackie Kennard for your generosity, Steven Simon and the team at the Li-Anthiwirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit, Garuwa Creative, Bushgrid Solar and Mabunji Aboriginal Corporation for making Shirley's return possible.
"It's important that the community is involved in the switch to renewables. We have these opportunities to control our own power, share our own power and generate our own power, and I think there are some really great opportunities for regional communities in that." – Sally Hunter, Geni.Energy Limited, Narrabri. Local Energy Hubs could help put rural and regional communities at the centre of Australia’s renewable energy shift. Watch the full film and find out more at www.localenergyhubs.org.au.
Keeping ageing coal fired power stations open is driving up our energy bills, shows a recent report by our national energy regulator. And, we'll face more price hikes if these ageing generators are forced to stay open longer because of delays to the renewable energy roll-out. The fastest way to bring electricity prices down, and guarantee reliable energy, is by bringing more renewables online. Read more in the article in The Age: https://lnkd.in/gNKwJdt2
"The shift to renewables is complex and support is not unconditional. For those of us living in the regional communities being asked to host new, large-scale infrastructure – we need access to accurate information, we need quality engagement, and we need opportunities to participate in decisions that impact us." A great piece in RenewEconomy by our National Director Andrew Bray and Community Power Agency Director Jarra Hicks, PhD on the support communities need in the energy shift – and why Local Energy Hubs could be a solution. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gYx9xkbv