Government Initiatives for Landowners in Renewable Energy Sector
The federal government is actively engaging with landowners in a significant push towards renewable energy ahead of the upcoming election. Two key measures were introduced on Thursday to provide reassurance to developers of wind, solar, and battery storage projects.
The much-anticipated Developer Rating Scheme pilot has been officially launched, inviting developers to register their interest in participating and contributing to the program’s design.
Developer Interest and Support
Notably, 24 developers, including Goldwind, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Ark Energy, and EnergyAustralia, have already shown interest in the scheme, according to a statement from Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s office.
Financial Support for Landowners
Another significant announcement is the allocation of a $500,000 grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) for the development of software. This software aims to provide landowners with insights into the potential financial gains from hosting wind and solar projects on their properties.
Bowen emphasised the importance of the renewable energy transition in creating new opportunities and wealth for farmers, both presently and for future generations. He highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to data for landholders to make informed decisions regarding their land and negotiations with developers.
Addressing Past Challenges
The Developer Rating Scheme emerged from a review initiated in 2023 to address community concerns about renewable energy projects. The review, conducted in collaboration with Teal MPs, identified a significant level of distrust towards renewable energy and grid developers due to poor community engagement practices.
Key concerns raised included the lack of consultation with farmers in project design and construction processes, as well as issues arising from non-disclosure agreements that strained neighbourly relations.
Enhancing Community Engagement
The government aims to involve 10 developers from various renewable energy sectors in designing and testing the scheme over a four-month period, with the initial phase set to commence on 1 July. The voluntary scheme seeks to improve transparency and trust by providing landowners with information on reputable developers.
Additionally, a new software tool has been introduced to assess properties for their wind and solar energy potential. Developed by RELA Australia, this platform offers landowners insights into the financial benefits of engaging with renewable energy developers.
Empowering Landowners
ARENA’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Faris, highlighted the importance of empowering Australian landholders to participate in the clean energy transition by making informed decisions. The software compares property characteristics with existing projects in the National Energy Market to estimate potential financial returns based on various factors.
The updated software version includes additional features such as a social license index and environmental considerations to provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s viability.
Overall, these initiatives aim to bridge the gap between landowners and developers, fostering a more collaborative and transparent approach towards renewable energy projects.
