Don’t miss out - Community Energy Congress starts tomorrow
Tuesday, March 5. Australia’s Community Energy Congress kicks off tomorrow in Sydney, showcasing the central role communities are playing as the nation continues the shift to clean energy.
The theme for this year’s congress is Fast, Fair, and Vital, highlighting the speed of transition, the values and outcomes that communities want in the energy transition, and the vital nature of energy to everyday lives and businesses.
The congress brings together leaders from communities, government, infrastructure providers and business to focus on community participation in the energy system.
Topics that will be discussed at the congress include community batteries and microgrids, finance, partnerships, and energy resilience. Independent federal MP for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps and Rewiring Australia founder Dr Saul Griffith will speak at the keynote session.
“To make the clean energy transition we don’t just need new physical infrastructure, but new ways of leading and organising at a community level,” Dr Griffith said.
“I’m constantly inspired by the passion and innovation of community groups driving change in the climate and energy space. It’s households that have the most to benefit from an electrified future - more local jobs, healthier streets and cheaper energy bills.”
The congress will be held on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.
This will be followed by a tour of Narara Ecovillage on the Central Coast on Friday, March 8. The ecovillage is powered by a smart microgrid and is energy self-sufficient. Tickets to this stand-alone day are still available and include a ride from Sydney in an electric bus which will recharge at the village.
Community energy refers to the many ways groups organise to speed up investment in renewable energy and demonstrate a better energy future. This can range from providing information on household electrification to developing, producing, distributing, selling and buying energy assets and their output. Projects can take various ownership forms, including full community control or in collaboration with public and private enterprises.
Projects can range from household electrification and efficiency programs, small scale cooperatively owned solar PV installations, a community energy retailer, bioenergy or hydro systems, or a large scale community-owned wind farm. They’re volunteer-run and help support the local community.
Tickets for the Community Energy Congress are available now via Humanitix. The congress is being held on the sidelines of the Smart Energy Expo, so attendees also need to register for the expo to enter the event.
Attendees can also take part in the congress virtually thanks to the support of the Victorian Government.
The congress is organised by the Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE). Audio grabs from C4CE chair Heather Smith are available here.
About us:
About C4CE: The Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE) is the peak body of the growing community energy sector in Australia. Established in 2014, C4CE has now grown to more than 105 member groups across Australia who are keen to transform their communities to zero-net emissions.
About the Community Energy Congress: The event is the community partner of the Smart Energy Expo and wouldn’t be possible without their support. The Expo is a key opportunity for Australia’s renewables sector to convene and network.
C4CE also gratefully acknowledges the support of Squadron Energy, Reclaim Energy and the Victorian Government as major sponsors. Squadron Energy is an Australian-owned renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. Reclaim Energy’s cutting-edge innovative technology design brings a leading energy efficient product to the market, generously supports and partners with community groups to drive industry transformation, reshaping the perception of hot water systems as smart, eco-conscious products.
The Victorian Government has supported us to provide the Congress in an online format so community members from Victoria and across the country can participate, as interstate travel can be difficult for these dedicated volunteers.
Contact details:
For media enquiries or to arrange a community hub to virtually attend the congress please contact Heather Smith on 0417 862 206 or heather@changingweather.com.au.