Smart Energy Council’s Post

𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 – 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝘄𝗿𝗮𝗽  At All Energy Australia we were privileged to lead discussions with industry experts on topics critical to Victoria’s transition to renewable energy; community support, meaningful engagement and opportunities for investment in transmission.   🎙️ 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀  ViGrid’s, Executive Director, Project Delivery Danny Benjamin updated a packed room on VicGrid’s project pipeline, highlighting the need for industry and government to partner, what this looks like and how we prepare for challenges and opportunities together. Danny was joined by industry leaders Claire Cass from AEMO, Laurel Yu from Macquarie Group, Katie Watt from Tetra Tech Coffey, with VicGrid’s Monique Halliday chairing the panel.  They delved into a range of topics ranging from what investors are looking for in a project, through to the importance of having open conversations with community, landholders and Traditional owners to understand their priorities and concerns. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 🎙️VicGrid CEO Alistair Parker spoke of our approach to renewable energy zone (REZ) development and building community support in Victoria.   He stressed that giving First Peoples, landholders, communities, and regional stakeholders a real voice in the process is crucial to the success of the energy transition. So is an approach to community benefits where locals benefit in a meaningful and lasting way based on their vision of the energy priorities for their region. Alistair joined Michael Johnson from Lumea (Transgrid Group), Breannah Schubach from NGH Consulting, and Mark Hudson from WestWind Energy to discuss how to proactively involve community in advancing the renewable energy transition and deliver benefits to host communities. 🤝 Every conversation with industry is a chance to drive the changes required to deliver this once in a generation opportunity for all Victorians.  📲 Connect with us on LinkedIn and learn more about our upcoming industry engagements and opportunities to work with us by subscribing to our mailing list - https://lnkd.in/g5guCE3K       Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) Macquarie Group Tetra Tech Coffey Clean Energy Council Solar Victoria All Energy Australia Victorian Government Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action       #AllEnergyAU #RenewableEnergy #VicGrid #EnergyTransition #PowerTransmission #RenewableEnergyInvestment

ENVIRONMENT & PLANNING | Developers in the renewable energy industry got wind of some good news last week, when the Independent Planning Commission granted development consent to a sizeable wind farm project in NSW.   Our legal experts in environment, planning and infrastructure, partners Hoda Naghdy, Tom White and Tim McDonald, special counsel Alexander Beale and senior associate Verity Gresswell, explore the decision in more detail and summarise what it might mean for other development applications currently under assessment, particularly those navigating objections on environmental grounds.   Read more from our experts here https://lnkd.in/dErMnH-M #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyTransition

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱🌊   Exciting things are happening on the Jersey Shore!    The Garden State has given the green light to two ground-breaking offshore wind projects, further solidifying its commitment to lead in the renewable energy space.    Learning from past concerns about being too close to shore, New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities has chosen two projects, Leading Light Wind and Attentive Energy, that will be considerably further offshore - Together, these projects are set to generate enough electricity to power 1.8 million homes!   Despite challenges last fall, the approval of these projects signals a resurgence in New Jersey’s offshore wind ambitions. The board has outlined the cost impacts, with a monthly increase for residential, commercial, and industrial bills. However, Leading Light Wind promises direct assistance to low-income households, mitigating the impact for them.    In summary, this is a decisive step toward embracing renewable energy and securing a brighter future for New Jersey!   For more Renewable Energy industry news and insights, follow GreenBridge Energy for regular updates⚡️   #WeAreGBE #GreenBridgeEnergy #RenewableEnergyNews #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy

Powerlink to drive Queensland's Renewable Energy Zones Powerlink is stepping up as the key player in Queensland's renewable energy future. Tasked with overseeing the state's Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), Powerlink will spearhead the integration of around 22GW of new grid-scale renewable energy. This exciting development promises to energise the state's sustainability efforts and boost regional communities. From collaborating with landholders to working closely with local governments, Powerlink will ensure that the benefits of renewable energy investment flow seamlessly into Queensland’s 12 potential REZs. This role, defined by the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024, includes providing crucial input on REZ planning, recommending declarations, and crafting detailed management plans. We’re energised by this move, which aligns perfectly with our focus on supporting transformative projects in energy and infrastructure. It’s a step forward in shaping a sustainable and dynamic future for Queensland. #RenewableEnergy #Queensland #Powerlink #Sustainability #Concentis #EnergyTransformation

RenewableNI Director Steven Agnew, ABO Wind Head of Project Development Patricia McGrath (MIPI) McGrath and RES Development Director John Boyce gave evidence at this morning’s Infrastructure Committee at Stormont to advocate for a facilitative & ambitious planning system which can accelerate the net zero transition. Key takeaways: 🔔 80% renewable electricity by 2030 is still achievable, but only with radical reform of both planning policy and process. There are enough pipeline projects to meet the 2030 target, but planning continues to be a major unresolved road block. Market support has long also been an important issue, but a support scheme is now forthcoming. 🗓 Timelines are simply too long. On average it takes 3 years+ for a wind farm application to be determined. This is the longest timeline of any region of these Islands and investment is going elsewhere. RNI’s Accelerating Renewables Report found that 82% investors don’t view NI as compelling investment location, with planning named a top concern. Maximum timelines for final decisions must be reduced to less than one year. 📑 Quality of applications is often cited as the main reason for these delays in planning decision making. Industry is frustrated and doesn’t feel this is a fair assessment. NI has the highest planning fees across these Islands, meaning developers are working diligently to submit comprehensive and high quality applications which can stand up to scrutiny. 💬 More transparency and productive dialogue are vital. There is too much variation across councils in how similar applications are treated. Decision makers in local authorities must be given both a clear mandate to prioritise green infrastructure projects, and the confidence to take these decisions within the context of our highly ambitious renewable targets. 🎯 Greater accountability from both statutory consultees and DfI is necessary. Response times from consultees are a major factor in delays, so hard-stop deadlines should be introduced. DfI must be empowered to take decisions where they can, rather than refer to an already stretched Planning Appeals Commission. 💸 In 2023, NI’s spending on gas was cut by £243 million by local wind energy generation. There are significant economic and decarbonisation benefits offered by renewable electricity and NI can’t afford to miss out! We have one of the best wind resources globally, so should be maxismising our homegrown resource to build a net zero success story🍃 #renewableenergy #windenergy #netzero #planning #northernireland #planningreform RenewableUK

Queensland is poised for a renewable energy boom…

County Monaghan is emerging as a strategic base for some of the largest and most innovative renewable energy technology companies in Ireland, including Activ8 Solar Energies in Carrickmacross, NRG Panel in Castleblayney, Allbrite Heatpump Specialists in Broomfield and Hanley Energy in Monaghan town. These growing companies, many of which were founded and are run by Monaghan people, are at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, working in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors, with customers in Ireland and abroad. The clock is ticking with less than 6 years to reach Ireland’s ambitious target of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and a requirement to retrofit 500,000 homes in Ireland to a BER B2 standard by 2030. The installation of renewable energy technologies at pace and at scale will be crucial in decarbonising the energy sector. Monaghan County Council (Ireland) have supported many Monaghan-based renewable energy companies though the Council’s Local Enterprise Office and as a Council we are looking at how we can further support and collaborate with these companies and others like Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to help businesses, communities and residents reduce their energy use and costs and meet the county and the country’s climate action targets. #ClimateActionMonaghan #RenewableEnergy #MyMonaghan

The UK continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure, with solar power playing a critical role in achieving national net-zero targets. I have read the article today (see link below) that the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council recently approved an expansion of the Blythe Solar Farm, increasing its solar capacity to 44.3MWp and integrating a 30MW battery energy storage system. This project is part of a broader strategy to support local councils, like Staffordshire Moorlands, in their efforts to become carbon neutral by 2030. In Somerset, the approval of several solar projects, including a 22MW development in Taunton, underscores the regional commitment to renewable energy. These projects are not just about increasing energy capacity but also enhancing biodiversity, with some developments achieving biodiversity net gains well above the national requirements. The UK government's continued support for solar energy and the recent adjustments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) reflect a recognition of renewable energy as critical national infrastructure. These policies emphasize the importance of renewable energy for national security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. As the UK continues to push forward with its renewable energy agenda, solar power remains at the forefront of this transition, driving both local and national efforts to create a sustainable and resilient energy future. #RenewableEnergy, #SolarPower, #NetZeroUK

As the inaugural meeting of our Planning Working Group gets under way, we're launching our insight paper, Local Planning for Renewables: Five key policy challenges. Drawing on analysis of UK government planning data and consultations with both developers and planning authorities, it identifies the critical challenges and proposes policy solutions to enhance the planning system for clean energy projects. These are: ❌ A lack of priority for renewables within the National Planning Policy Framework and local plans. 👉 We’re calling for the National Planning Policy Framework to be updated to prioritise net zero and renewable energy. 🤦♀️ Under resourcing and high staff turnover at local authorities. 👉 We’re calling for measures that improve the roles of local authority planners to address resourcing challenges. 🔎 A lack of clarity on when planning permission should be refused due to the character of the area. 👉 We’re calling for the NPPF to be updated to provide greater clarity on ensuring a balance between landscape protection and the need to address climate change. 🛑 The total stalling of onshore wind deployment. 👉 We’re calling for the restrictions on onshore wind to be removed urgently so that it's treated in the same way as other infrastructure. 🤷♂️ Insufficient engagement with local communities on clean energy projects. 👉 We’re calling for the publication of best-practice guidance on community engagement and benefits for all onshore renewables and to take forward the findings of the 2015 Shared Ownership Taskforce. For more on this, follow or reach out to our planning and communities lead, Rebecca Windemer, PhD. #planningforrenewables #townplanning #environmentalplanning #NPPF #onshorewind

Of particular relevance to BLM’s final rule, Title IV of CETA incorporates Levin’s Public Land Renewable Energy Deployment Act (H.R. 178). The title directs the Department of Interior to permit at least 60 gigawatts of renewable energy on public lands by 2030 and responsibly incentivizes this development on priority areas, while minimizing the adverse impacts to communities and the environment. https://lnkd.in/eFku_xgq