Cartoon by Bev Dick
By Jacinta Agostinelli
Large scale renewable energy projects, including the proposed Seymour Wind Farm, cannot deliver enough power through existing transmission infrastructure. To keep the lights on, we need to build more transmission lines.
As a child I marvelled at the huge, steel electricity towers striding across the landscape, their arms outstretched, holding up the sky. They were puzzlingly graceful. As time went on my fascination faded into the background. Now they are back again, symbols of both mastery and limitation. Masterful in that we can shift power across this huge country, and yet limited, in that they are all we have to shift power across the country. Love these huge, intricate, steel bodies or hate them, at the moment they are all we have. And we need them.
Climate mitigation and adaptation
The fact is Australia is not on track to meet its emissions reduction target of 43% of 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. While this does not mean we give up on our efforts, it does mean we have to adapt more readily to a changed climate. One thing we are going to have to accept is the presence of highly visible renewable energy infrastructure, such as steel transmission towers.
Infrastructure development issues
Renewable projects cannot deliver enough power through existing transmission infrastructure
There are of course, numerous issues associated with renewable infrastructure. Rewiring the Nation is a federal program to ensure clean energy is accessible and affordable. The program also sets out rules, guidelines and frameworks for large renewable projects, including: working with landholders and communities, financing energy transformation, and delivering transmission projects. Renewable energy companies must adhere to state and federal regulations and processes. For comprehensive information visit the Department of Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Water, Rewiring the Nation.
Seymour Wind Farm transmission routes
Fera Australia, who is developing the Seymour Wind Farm, is acting in accordance with state and federal regulations. Visit their website to find out more.
If you would like a quick summary of the project so far, the newsletter is a good place to start. To get an idea of how Fera is investigating and addressing project impact on bushland and habitat, read their Biosis Ecology Report.
The company is reviewing five transmission route options, or alignments. This is a lengthy process, guided by finding the alignment that minimises the visual impact and impact to flora and fauna. The alignment will then undergo a detailed ecology and cultural heritage assessment, which includes two years of bird and bat monitoring. Local Landcare and environment groups will assist in this assessment and monitoring. The planning process is expected to be a very diligent and well-resourced three-year long process.
The best route will be one that fits with the topography
Fera says the best route will be one that fits with the topography and passes through the valleys on farmland, rather than near roads. This minimises the visual impact of the transmission lines and also protects road reserves. There are existing powerlines through the area and these are included in a number of the options. Where easements are on farmland the grazing activities can continue post construction.
With all new easements the approach is to sit down with each landholder and discuss the alignment options. Fera pays an option fee while they work through the planning process. An independent local valuer is appointed, and the farm valued both for its current value and with a new easement added. This creates an agreed value to which an additional premium is added. The land payment for the easement is paid when the planning permit is finalised. There is then an annual payment made to the landowner for the duration of the wind farm operation.
Cost of not doing enough – youth climate anxiety
We are becoming well versed in the effects of climate change. While we hear a lot about the effects of a hotter, more severely dryer and wetter, climate we may not be so aware of climate anxiety among young Australians. Orygen Institute, Australia’s leading youth mental health think tank, reported in August this year that ‘two thirds of young Australians said climate concerns are having a negative impact on youth health.’ The report also says that ‘government inaction was the most frequently identified factor impacting youth mental health (75%)’. It seems to me that if our young people lose hope in the future, there isn’t much hope for the rest of us. But it doesn’t have to come to that.
2030Yea brings hope
This is where I want to share the good news. 2030Yea, together with Indigo Power, RMIT University and Murrindindi Shire Council, has secured funding to develop a business case for a town battery for Yea. But the business case will not be successful without community support. We will be detailing what that support looks like over the next few months as the four organisations get to work. Most importantly, the battery initiative shows our young people that we take climate change seriously and are doing something about it. Difficult as it might be, we are holding up the sky, just.
