City to run entirely on renewables

BENDIGO is turning green, with more of the town’s energy to be provided by renewable sources than ever before.

The municipality is one of 46 Victorian councils to sign the Victorian Energy Collaboration, the largest local government emission reduction project in Australia, led by Darebin City Council.

Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said she is thrilled to see the city join the collaboration, which will see the town’s community buildings, libraries and streetlights powered with 100 per cent renewable energy.

“The city is leading the way as one of 46 Victorian Councils to form the largest ever emissions reduction project by local government in Australia, switching to 100 per cent renewable electricity,” she said.

“The project highlights that large scale cooperation and collaboration is possible to transition to a renewable energy future and address climate change.”

The project is provided by Australian-owned energy retailer Red Energy and will deliver 240-gigawatt hours of clean energy across the 46 municipalities, equivalent to powering 48,000 homes with renewables.

“Given Red Energy is born and bred in Victoria, we are really excited to be a part of a project that is supporting Victorian councils, their ratepayers and two new Victorian wind farms,” CEO of Red Energy Iain Graham said.

“Our owner Snowy Hydro has been a leader in renewable generation for decades and Red Energy is delighted to partner with Victorian councils to provide a long-term energy contract that will enable councils to purchase renewable energy at a competitive price.”

Darebin mayor Cr Lina Messina said the project demonstrates the power of council collaboration.

“This is a collective effort formed by staff and Councillors from across the state, for the benefit of our communities,” she said.

“By powering councils with affordable renewable energy, we’re making ratepayers’ dollars go further. Every dollar we save on energy bills is a dollar we can put towards improving roads, footpaths, libraries or community programs.”

The energy will be provided by both Dundonnell wind farm and Murra Warra II, which will both be fully operational in June 2022.