Community-Led Solar Farm Rises from Former Gravel Pit
After a decade of perseverance and teamwork, construction has commenced on the Goulburn Community Solar Farm in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone for one of Australia’s pioneering community renewables projects. The 1.35MW solar farm, along with a 2.2MWh battery, was initially conceptualised in 2014 by local residents under the Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative, established by Community Energy 4 Goulburn (CE4G).
Despite being in the federal electorate of noted LNP renewables opponent and former federal energy minister Angus Taylor, the project received overwhelming support from the community. Local residents collectively raised $2.6 million to fund the initiative, showcasing a strong regional interest in renewable energy and ethical investments.
Development and Progress
In 2019, CE4G secured a contract with local company Komo Energy for the development services of the solar farm. Subsequently, in 2020, they were awarded a $2.1 million grant from the state government to incorporate battery storage into the project. The commitment to sustainability led CE4G to sever ties with Siemens, the project’s inverter supplier, due to the company’s involvement in the Adani coal mine in Queensland.
With Smart Commercial Solar now on board, the construction of the solar farm is in progress.
