Natimuk solar farm a step closer
Aproject to develop a $2.4-million community solar farm near Natimuk has taken a major leap forward with confirmation of State Government support.
Natimuk Community Energy has $339,000 in government money to take its Natimuk Community Owner Renewable project, which involves a 4572-panel farm on a 2.224-hectare site east of Natimuk, to a study development stage.
Energy Environment and Climate Change minister Lily D’ambrosio announced funding this week for the 1.6-megawatt community solar farm.
“We’re working with communities like Natimuk to help them achieve their goal of moving to 100 percent renewable energy,” she said.
“Through this grant we are empowering the Natimuk community to fully harness the benefits of locally produced clean energy and cut their power prices. By transitioning to renewable energy we are protecting our environment, supporting new industries and creating local employment, education and training opportunities.”
The government investment is designed to help Natimuk Community Energy finalise approvals, connection studies, develop detailed design and operational plans and develop a financial model and market prospectus to attract investment for construction phase.
Natimuk Community Energy Group project guidelines include maintaining at least 51-percent, or controlling interest, in the project and the economic spoils it generates.
Group president Edwin Irvine said earlier this year a combination of financial and environmental benefits and long-term sustainability were behind the project.
“We’re at a juncture where communities can take charge of their power generation and use,” he said.
“The one thing we won’t step away from is community ownership. The concept is that all the money that goes into it, stays in the community.”
Financing a study into grid connection had been the primary challenge for the project moving ahead and Mr Irvine said the group was confident study findings would show the project ‘stacked up’.
Another issue is ensuring Natimuk community is a primary beneficiary amid the complex sale of electricity.
Mr Irvine said in June that as a producer the Natimuk group couldn’t be a retailer and sell power back directly to the people of Natimuk.
“So we have to come up with a way to achieve what we want. The ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining industry that benefits Natimuk in some or many ways,” he said.