Governments use renewable energy zones as a planning tool to make sure that renewable energy production can be coordinated with transmission networks and energy demand. This ensures our electricity system is reliable, secure and developed at lowest possible cost.

Renewable Energy Zones attract investment in clean energy, which underpins the growth of new low carbon industries such as green hydrogen. In addition to creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, more renewable energy generation means lower power prices for households and business.

See here for more information on Renewable Energy Zones

Council developed the Renewable Energy (RE) Forum as a networking platform to facilitate, support and progress projects within our shire.  

At this bi-monthly meeting, we discuss various issues, project updates, challenges and shared outcomes which include key stakeholders from offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, hydrogen, biomass and other renewable energy projects.

There are two objectives of the Forum:

1. To allow Council and renewable energy stakeholders to update each other on key projects and initiatives. From a Council perspective, this is a more efficient way of being updated on the progress of projects.
2. To jointly progress shared outcomes including addressing common challenges and to discuss advocacy to state/federal governments on common compliance and funding matters.

2022 will see the RE Forum group work together to progress tangible outcomes for the sector, advocate for legislation/GREZ, tap into local supply value chains and ensure our skills and training providers are delivering courses that are led by industry demand.

Should you wish to participate in the Wellington Renewable Energy Forum, please contact Kate Foster, Manager Economic Development for invitation details.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is the responsible authority for new planning permit applications for all energy generation facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater. Local government remains responsible for permit applications under 1MW.

For further information on applications currently under assessment by DELWP please visit Browse Ministerial Permits.

Wellington Shire Council, in partnership with the Latrobe Valley Authority has developed a framework to support industry to build capability in initiating, developing or investing in biomass to energy projects in Gippsland.

The guide provides tools and resources to assist Gippsland based communities and industries to methodically step through four discreet phases of a successful bioenergy project.  Bioenergy projects require careful research, preparation and adherence to a number of planning and environmental regulations.

For further support or information please contact Joanna Rule, Sustainability Project Officer.

‍

‍Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework documents

• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Project Startup Guide
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Social Risk Guide
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Bioenergy skills and analysis
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Introduction
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 1
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 2
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 3
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 4
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Summary
• What is Bioenergy Information Pack

‍