What is Community Energy?

Community Energy is where a community group initiates, develops, operates and benefits from a renewable energy resource or energy efficiency initiative. Community groups are formed based on a common interest or geographical region such as a town or suburb.

Every Community Energy project is different, being tailored to each community’s needs and context. CE projects may be developed to:

• maximise local ownership and decision making
• generate jobs
• use resources efficiently and sustainably
• match energy production to local energy needs and circumstances
• help address climate change

Community Energy projects

Hepburn Community Wind Farm

In operation since June 2011, Hepburn Wind is Australia's first community owned wind farm. Every year the wind farm generates enough power for 2,000 homes.

Bendigo Solar Library

The Bendigo Sustainability Group and the City of Greater Bendigo together developed a 'community owned solar PV project', which has resulted in a 20kW solar PV system being installed on the Goldfields Library in Bendigo.

Community Energy guides

Guide to Community Energy for Victorians

This Community-owned Renewable Energy Guide has been created to give communities in Victoria information about developing community-owned renewable energy projects.

It is a resource for community groups that are considering a community energy project and those that are already in the process of establishing a project. The guide consolidates existing knowledge and resources and provides links to further information and advice.

Download the Guide to Community Energy for Victorians

Small Scale Community Solar Guide

The Coalition for Community Energy has updated the The Small Scale Community Solar Guide has been updated with the support of the Sustainability Victoria. This guide is perhaps one of the most useful resources available to community energy groups looking to develop their first project. The guide is filled with practical tips, case studies and the key information you need to get started.

Download the Small Scale Community Solar Guide

Small Scale Community Solar Guide Webinar Series

The Coalition for Community Energy delivered a series of webinars to introduce groups interested in developing their own community energy project to the guide and carious elements that assist a project move from an idea to a reality.

• Webinar One: An introduction to Community Energy and the Small Scale Community Solar Guide
• Webinar Two: Common Legal Framework and Overview of existing templates
• Webinar Three: Donation-based Community Solar – Case studies
• Webinar Four: Investment-based Community Solar – Case studies

Watch the recorded webinar

DELWP New Energy Jobs Fund

The $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund is designed to support Victorian-based projects that create long-term sustainable jobs, increase the uptake of renewable energy generation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation in new energy technologies.

The Fund has been designed with a specific stream for the Community Sector and Community Energy Projects.

Learn more about the New Energy Jobs Fund