New England and North West locals are invited to attend information sessions about how to get involved with the Manilla Solar Project, a 4.5 MW community-owned solar and battery storage project.
The Manilla Solar Community Engagement Roadshow kicks off this Sunday in Guyra and Armidale, before a week of meetings across the region.
Manilla Solar has all approvals and is ready for investment. The goal is to be 100% community owned, which would result in the best outcomes for the region like cheaper power for local residents, businesses and shareholders.
The roadshow is an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions.
Director of Manilla Solar Emma Stilts says it’s possible to take part no matter your financial means, with no minimum amount for investment.
“Our region, like our world, is on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation technological change. So let's be smart and work together to create our own projects that can empower our regional towns and create a prosperous and sustainable future,” she said.
“Come along to learn how to support a local project.”
Director of Manilla Solar Gerald Arends says the project could become Australia’s largest community-funded energy project.
“Community-scale renewables can contribute in a powerful way to regional development, increased resilience, decarbonisation and job creation. This project is a unique opportunity to take control of energy infrastructure while helping Australia reduce climate pollution, all while connecting with the local community.”
The roadshow will visit:
Guyra: Sunday, Sep 22 at 1pm, The Hub, Neighbourhood Centre
Armidale: Sunday, Sep 22 at 4pm, Kent House
Manilla: Tuesday Sep 24 at 7.30pm, Manilla Services Club
Gunnedah: Wednesday Sep 25, 12pm at Smithurst Theatre
Narrabri: Wednesday Sep 25 at 6pm, Geni.Energy
Quirindi: Thursday Sep 26 at 12pm, CWA rooms
Tamworth: Thursday Sep 26 at 5.30pm, Tamworth Hotel
Armidale: 12pm, Friday Sep 27 at NOVA, UNE Smart Region Incubator.
In addition to the information session, Manilla Solar and the University of New England SMART Region Incubator will host a panel discussion on Friday 27 September. Details below:
Exploring the business of designing, building, and funding community-led renewable energy projects.
Panelists include:
- David Heine, CEO of Regional Australia Bank,
- Gerald Arends Director of Komo Energy Pty Ltd, Director of Manilla Solar Pty Ltd
- Emma Stilts President MCRE, Director of Manilla Solar Pty Ltd
- Friday 27 Sept, 12-2pm
- NOVA - RSVP here
This event is focused on the business side of the project - and how communities and business can work together to create projects that benefit economic, environmental and social outcomes. Thanks to Lou Conway and the team at the UNE SMART Region Incubator and David Heine and the Regional Australia Bank for their support.
Information for journalists:
Locals across the region are available for interviews, and photos of the project are available here.
Audio grabs for media use available here
For media enquiries please contact Emma Stilts on 0407 435 585 or at renewablemanilla@gmail.com
About Manilla Solar Project:
The Manilla Solar Project is a community-led 4.5 MW solar project with a battery of 5 to 10 MWh storage, to be located 2 km to the South of the Manilla substation, on the Calokerinos property.
It will be hosted on 15 ha of land, and it will have a lifespan of 25 years, with an option for another 10 years. It will power approx. 2500 homes.
Manilla Solar aims to be 100% community owned, and we expect that it will be funded through a combination of equity investment, government grant funding and possibly a loan. We invite people to invest up to $10,000 in October 2024 when the Manilla Solar crowd raise opens.
Our ambition is to build a model of community ownership and share our blueprint with other communities across the New England /North West.
