Billions in the bush: Renewable energy for regional prosperity
Read our report on the economic benefits clean energy is delivering to farmers and regional communities across Australia.
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18 Nov 2024
Large-scale renewable energy projects are estimated to deliver $1 billion to farmers and $200 million to regional communities by 2030, according to our report with Farmers for Climate Action.
Renewables are not only keeping the lights on as coal plants reach the end of their technical life, but they’re also creating jobs and alternative income streams and benefits right across Australian communities.
The report shows farmers can earn $38,500 to $45,500 per year from hosting a typical 7MW turbine and up to $1,250 per hectare from solar. For comparison, a beef farmer can expect returns of $1,500 per hectare per year in a good year.
Our analysis shows contributions are expected to deliver $213 million by 2030 and $1.9 billion to 2050, supporting regional communities to thrive.
Based on total renewable capacity, farmers and landholders in NSW are expected to receive $290 million - $371 million by 2030, while those in Queensland are expected to receive $220 million - $274 million; those in Victoria are expected to receive $238 million - $288 million, those in South Australia are expected to receive $109 million - $132 million and those in Tasmania are expected to receive $41 million to $48 million.
The report only looks at the National Electricity Market, covering eastern and southern states and territories.
Latest CSIRO report clears the air: Renewables are lowest cost
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the release of the latest GenCost report by the CSIRO, which reaffirms the fact that renewables firmed by storage and transmission remain the lowest cost pathway to replace our aging coal generators.
As coal exits the energy system over coming years, investment in a suite of renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind, will be critical to deliver the lowest-cost energy system for consumers. Offshore wind also provides a substantial opportunity to create new jobs and economic opportunities for regional communities such as the Hunter over coming decades.
Kane Thornton, Chief Executive - opening remarks to House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy
Opening remarks by Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, to the House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy, in Melbourne (4 December 2024).
Nature Positive reforms are critical for renewable energy investment
Any decision to stall the progress of much-needed Nature Positive reforms to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act risks missing a crucial opportunity to address one of the most significant challenges facing investment in renewable energy projects across Australia.
AEMC review confirms lower bills from renewable rollout
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the findings of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC)’s analysis of Australia’s clean energy transition released today.
