Action groups explore roadmap for a clean Bellarine

LOCAL community groups are working together to deliver 100 per cent renewables for the Bellarine.

The groups – 100% Clean Bellarine and Ocean Grove Community Group – have big plans, and among them is developing a roadmap for 100 percent renewables and exploring the feasibility of a community-owned renewable energy mini grid.

Barwon Heads’ Karen Weaver said the roadmap project involved consultation and implementation phases.

“In the consultation phase, the project will coordinate the enthusiasm and energy of the Bellarine community to achieve 100 per cent clean energy for its residents – and ultimately renewable energy independence for the whole area,” Ms Weaver said. “To achieve this, 100% Clean Bellarine will work with organisations, businesses, individuals and energy stakeholders in the community to assist them in reducing their energy consumption and installing solar power and storage.

“This approach will establish a mandate, through strong community engagement and education, to raise the awareness of our renewable energy future.”

Ms Weaver said establishing an energy baseline would allow the Bellarine to understand how to measure the transition and to celebrate successes.

“Partnering with business and industry in a coordinated way will help to bring about the sustainable future that we all want,” she said.

“Using the broad mandate to build momentum, the implementation phase will focus on initiating and implementing identified roadmap initiatives.

“One potential initiative with momentum is the Ocean Grove Renewable Energy Micro-grid. This initiative aims to develop and demonstrate three renewable energy suburban micro grids of varying size which provide 100 per cent renewable, lowercost, efficient, reliable, environment friendly household domestic electricity supply with the mains power grid providing off-peak battery charging and backup power where required. The micro grids will generate power in excess of the demand and battery charging requirements of the households involved.”

The excess will be passed to low-income households at a cost below current retail electricity rates via peer-to-peer trading or an electricity retailer.

The initial concept envisages three micro grids of 25, 50 and 100 household solar and battery installations.

To find out how you can be involved, visit the Facebook page of 100% Clean Bellarine.