The Queensland government has announced $40million for a Local Renewable Energy Zone (LREZ) in Townsville, with local network-connected batteries allowing renewable energy generated by rooftop solar to be shared amongst the whole community throughout the day and night.
The LREZ allows households with rooftop solar to feed into community batteries during the middle of the day when demand is low, then all residents connected to the LREZ network can access this clean community generated energy during peak times in the evening. This system has the added benefit of giving clean affordable energy to community members who are unable to install rooftop solar, like renters or those in social housing.
Quotes from the Power Together coalition can be found below - for interview requests, please contact Sean Kennedy 0447 121 378 sean.kennedy@climatemediacentre.org.au
Queensland Conservation Council, Energy Strategist, Clare Silcock says:
“We welcome today’s announcement by the Queensland Government as a crucial step towards
achieving Queensland's emission reduction targets. Queensland communities have a huge opportunity to reduce emissions, help meet our renewable energy targets and save money, and this investment will help show how this can happen.
“Through the Power Together Alliance we’ve been calling for more support to make the benefits of small-scale renewable energy available to everyone, including renters and low income households. We know from other states, like South Australia, that technology like virtual power plants brings long term bill relief and reduces emissions.
“We need to be building all scales of renewable energy to end our reliance on polluting fossil fuels, and we look forward to local renewable energy zones being rolled out more broadly to benefit Queenslanders across the state.”
Queensland Community Alliance, Lead Organiser, Devett Kennedy said:
"Every Queenslander deserves the benefits of cheaper, secure renewable energy.
"This Local Renewable Energy Zone announcement will help deliver the benefits of bill-busting solar in Townsville for renters and others who’ve been denied access until now.
"Local Townsville leaders started calling for policies like this through Queensland Community Alliance before the 2020 election. We recognise the Government for delivering."
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Contact details:
Sean Kennedy 0447 121 378 sean.kennedy@climatemediacentre.org.au
