To transition regional Australian towns to 100% renewable energy by learning from European examples

My project aimed to learn how to transition regional Australian villages to 100% renewable, or zero-net energy, by learning from European examples. While Australia’s clean energy transition is beginning to emerge, there are currently no fully integrated community energy systems operating at the town or shire scale. Hepburn Wind was an important first step, offsetting household consumption locally, but further work is needed to address industrial demand and achieve whole-of-community energy transition across the broader shire.

My Fellowship focused on visiting regional towns across Europe to understand the political, social, technical, and financial conditions that enable communities to successfully transition to zero-net energy or become energy exporters. I engaged with over 80 thought leaders, municipalities, community groups, industry experts, and policymakers, and undertook more than 60 site visits to operating renewable energy projects. This provided insight into the governance models, technologies, and institutional frameworks driving transition. The aim was to identify practical approaches that could be adapted to the Australian context and support communities, industry, and government to unlock the full potential of community energy.

Findings

Through these experiences, I found that regional communities can play a central role in driving energy transition when supported by clear local targets, strong planning frameworks, and collaborative leadership. “Lighthouse communities” in particular demonstrated how locally led initiatives can accelerate progress and inspire wider adoption. Australia’s slower transition to date presents an opportunity to leapfrog earlier models by adopting proven approaches alongside newer technologies and evolving market conditions.

I also found that community ownership, locally developed energy blueprints, and partnerships between councils and community groups are critical to successful implementation. However, there remains a policy and funding gap to support communities to move from planning to delivery. These findings are already being applied in Hepburn Shire, building on the foundation established by Hepburn Wind to expand renewable energy initiatives and progress towards a zero-net energy future.

2023 Impact Funding: Develop and distribute a Community-led Climate Transition Handbook

Impact Project Overview

This project will develop and distribute the Community-led Climate Transition Handbook to support communities across Australia to navigate climate change and energy transition. The Handbook will provide practical tools and knowledge on electrification, renewable energy targets, methodologies for achieving and tracking progress, and case studies of community-led initiatives. It will showcase diverse approaches from Australia and internationally, helping communities build capacity and confidence to lead their own climate transition.