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.
Submission on grid-forming technology access standards approach paper
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity the opportunity to provide feedback to Australian Energy Market Operator on the grid-forming technology access standards approach paper.
Clean Energy Council Statement - Queensland Energy Roadmap
The Clean Energy Council acknowledges the release of the Queensland Energy Roadmap today by the Queensland State Government.
As coal plants retire, renewables backed by storage provide the lowest-cost and most reliable path to future-proof the State’s energy grid, maintain system security and deliver reliable energy for Queensland households and businesses.
Victoria launches game-changing solar incentives for big business
The Clean Energy Council has welcomed a new Victorian Government initiative offering major discounts of up to $34,300 for large commercial and industrial businesses to install rooftop solar systems (30–200 kW) under the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program, announced today.
Submission on National Electricity Market wholesale market settings draft report
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission on the National Electricity Market wholesale market settings draft report and to provide feedback in relation to the recommendations put forward by the Nelson Panel (the Panel).
Submission to Select Committee on information integrity on climate change and energy
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity to make a submission as part of the Senate Select Committee inquiry into information integrity in climate change.
Submission to New England REZ generation and storage consultation paper
The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity to comment on EnergyCo’s proposed New England REZ generation and storage consultation paper for the next phase of NSW’s energy transition.
