Community power hub switching off

THE Grampians Community Power Hub program has concluded after one year of operation.

Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions were the hosts of the initiative, as nominated by Sustainability Victoria, with engineer Sowmya Nargaraj as project manager.

BREAZE’s role was to identify potential solar, wind and battery power projects for community organisations, complete feasibility studies, and work with local groups within the region’s 11 municipalities.

Energy audit support was given to organisations including Grampians Health, Ballarat Table Tennis Association, and the Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Association.

BREAZE president Mary Debrett was grateful to Sustainability Victoria for the opportunity to lead the work, and create positive, sustainable change.

“In collaboration with our Hepburn branch partner, led by Hepburn Energy, the G-CPH has identified and investigated a pipeline of 40-plus renewable energy projects, implemented five community energy projects, and engaged with five communities in Hepburn, Pomonal and Ballan via the Community Sparks Neighbourhood Battery Initiative,” she said.

“Much of the work of the G-CPH has been engaging with the communities across the Grampians region, to identify groups ready to take up the challenge to transition to renewables.

“Our volunteers and staff have been most impressed with the preparedness of many communities to tackle ambitious projects, and their appreciation of the importance of this shift to clean energy.”

Ms Debrett said BREAZE’s volunteers reported a real “hunger” in the community for action towards renewable energy, especially at a time where there is “energy poverty.”

“Everyone’s waking up to the fact that this is what we’ve got to do, and the sooner we do it, the better it will be in terms of cost savings. There’s never been a better time to get off the gas, and get solar,” she said.

“People are much more aware of the importance of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and that’s driving this.”

The Grampians Community Power Hub was also part of the development of the Natimuk Community Solar Farm.

It supported Halls Gap Botanical Gardens’ off-grid solar and battery system, helped with 22 heat pump bulk buys in the Hepburn Shire, and did an energy audit for Ararat’s J Ward.

BREAZE will continue to have Ms Nargaraj’s expertise on-hand until September, and will be working with Cafs on a solar project.

The three-year Ballarat Community Power Hub pilot program was previously hosted by BREAZE until mid-2020.