The Australian and Victorian governments today unveiled a historic energy deal to fast-track Victoria’s renewable energy transition and help kickstart offshore wind.
The $2.25 billion agreement will fund the establishment of six “renewable energy zones” to link new wind and solar projects to the grid, including offshore wind off Gippsland’s coast.
According to Friends of the Earth, the decision is an important step forwards that will unlock new renewable energy sources and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions as coal-fired power plants retire.
“After years of delay, it’s good to see governments getting directly involved in developing the grid, and working together to fix the energy system, deliver cheaper power and act on the climate crisis,” Friends of Earth renewable energy spokesperson Pat Simons said.
The announcement came two weeks after AGL revealed plans to retire the Loy Yang A coal-fired power plant by 2035.
“As energy companies bring forward closure dates for coal generators, the need to build new renewable energy supply and connect it all to the grid is only becoming more urgent,” Friends of Earth Gippdland Community Organiser Wendy Farmer stated.
Farmer added that the state and federal governments are creating confidence and new opportunities for regions such as Gippsland by putting the pieces of the energy transformation puzzle together.
The news boosts momentum for the Star of the South, the most advanced offshore wind concept in Australia that has captivated the imagination of Gippsland communities.
According to the organisation, new energy projects must provide substantial community benefits, sincere involvement with First Nations communities, and robust environmental regulations for the shift to succeed.
Friends of the Earth said it would closely monitor the state and federal governments’ future moves in Rewiring the Nation and work with communities to ensure that their dreams and aspirations are realised in the energy transformation.
