What is the Community Power Hub Ballarat?
The pilot Community Power Hub Ballarat is one of three across Victoria that is being established to assist the community in accessing the skills and expertise required to develop and deliver community-based renewable energy projects.
CPH Ballarat will have a group of local experts available to support community power projects in a variety of ways from preparing a business case, to establishing governance arrangements, to finding consultants or to developing social license for the project. Ultimately it is hoped that the Community Power Hubs will become a long term self-sustaining presence.
http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/services-and-advice/funding/pilot-community-power-hub
Who is managing this project?
Ballarat Renewable Energy & Zero Emissions (BREAZE) has been appointed by Sustainability Victoria to establish a Community Power Hub in Ballarat.
The hub is managed by BREAZE on a day to day basis but governed by a roundtable of interested advisors, who will establish criteria for selecting projects and oversee the development of the selected projects. As far as the particular projects are concerned, groups of suitably skilled people will be set up to provide assistance in their feasibility or implementation.
How is CPH Ballarat funded?
Through Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Government has committed, over a two-year period, to develop community-owned and operated renewable energy projects in regional areas of Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley through a series of innovative new grants. These grants have facilitated the establishment of pilot Community Power Hubs to assist the community in accessing the skills and expertise required to develop and deliver community-based renewable energy projects.
What is the key role of the CPH Ballarat?
The role of hub is to provide support to individuals, groups or organisations that want to develop community power projects.
During the first two years of operation, the hub will identify at least four projects that will have feasibility studies completed on them and one flagship project that will be implemented.
What type of projects are being targeted?
We have a very broad definition of community energy, including the application of well-established renewable technologies delivered in new and inclusive ways. What are we looking for? – Renewable Energy Projects - Waste to energy, bioenergy/heat, wind, household solar, hydro, bulk buy schemes, partnerships with council – the sky’s the limit!
What size should the projects be?
Projects being considered are in the range of 20kW to 500kW.
Who should be interested in submitting their project for consideration by CPH Ballarat?
We want to hear from any person or organisation who has a great idea for a renewable energy project that benefits our community. No matter when over the next two years, we are very keen to hear about any community energy projects that you are considering or any interest you may have in supporting such projects via the governance or project support mechanisms. We have a very broad definition of community energy, including the application of well-established renewable technologies delivered in new and inclusive ways, so don't hesitate to get in touch.
How can I submit my project?
You can attend one of our Open House sessions or the Ballarat Workshop.
- Beaufort, Open House/Drop in session, Tuesday 3rd October, Beaufort Development Centre,
4 – 7pm - Ballan, Open House/Drop in session, Thursday 5th October, 2017, Ballan Community House,
4 – 7pm
Daylesford, Open House/Drop in session, Tuesday 10th October, Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, 4 – 7pm- Ballarat, Workshop, Thursday 12th October, 2017, Provincial Hotel, 6.15 for 6.30pm – 8.30pm
OR see us at the
- Daylesford, Hepburn Shire Council, Carbon Free Action Workshop, Saturday 14th October, 9.30 – 4.30pm,
https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/carbon-free-action-workshop
You can submit your project details on line at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunityPowerHubBallarat
CPH Ballarat can be contacted on:
03 5364 2909 | | https://www.breaze.org.au/programs/cph
19 Dawson Street Sth, Ballarat | PO Box 1301, Bakery Hill 3354
