Photo by Jacinta Agostinelli
Once feared, now endeared
On seeing a windmill, Don Quixote, the fictional 17th century Spaniard, feared it was a giant enemy and took to it with his sword.
Fera Australia and the Seymour Wind Farm
By Jacinta Agostinelli
With a focus on renewable energy from wind, Fera Australia is looking to develop large scale wind farms across the country. One of these wind farms, the Seymour Wind Farm is in our pocket of north-east Victoria. Who is Fera? What are they proposing and how do we ensure they are accountable?
Fera Australia
Team photo – The Fera team on an olive harvesting event at Upton. Thanks to Andrew Lawson for providing the photo.
Fera Australia was established in 2019 and is an offshoot of an Italian renewable energy company, Fera SRL. Cesare Fera started the company in Northern Italy in 2001, and it quickly became a leader in large scale renewable energy projects. The company decided to expand into Australia because it has excellent wind resources. It also has a government and community committed to transitioning from coal and gas energy.
Seymour wind farm
The area Fera is investigating for the Seymour Wind Farm is bound by Avenel, Longwood, Ruffy, Highlands and Tarcombe. Fera has identified this area because of its strong wind resource, and it is close to the Melbourne to Sydney transmission lines.
Investigations so far into the Seymour Wind Farm include desktop studies, assessments and reports on the impact the wind farm would likely have on local flora and fauna, and wind monitoring. Consultations have begun with landowners, Taungurung people, community and other stakeholders. [Refer to FAQs.]
Community consultation and area investigations will continue during 2023. Fera expects to identify the proposed turbine locations and transmission route by the end of the year. When completed, the wind farm will consist of 80-100 wind turbines with both underground and above ground transmission powerlines.
Energy output and emissions reduction
Renewables wind farm WA by Jacinta Agostinelli
The Seymour Wind Farm will produce 2 million MWh annually, which will provide energy to 430 thousand homes. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 700 thousand cars off the road or planting 7 million trees. This would be a significant contribution to Australia’s transition to renewable energy.
The fine print
Fera Australia has the credentials of a large and responsible renewable energy company. It is a leader in its field. It has a successful history in project development and operation, and a commitment to sustainability and local community. Fera also has a commitment to invest profits back into Australian renewable energy projects.
The details Fera provides on its website look good. But how do we hold them to account? How do we measure fairness around the benefits of renewable energy infrastructure? We need mechanisms in place to guarantee the integrity of renewable companies and their projects, or we risk a renewable storm.
At the same time, we need to remind ourselves that we have been altering the landscape for a long time. Some of our alterations are good, some are not. People, technology and the environment can coexist harmoniously when consideration and knowledge are foremost. But how do we get it right?
The renewable energy projects review
Renewables wind farm WA by Jacinta Agostinelli
With much community anxiety around Fera’s presence in the area, we welcomed the announcement on July 4 from Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, of an independent review into renewable energy projects and improving community engagement. Helen Haines, Indi’s very own Independent Federal Member, worked closely with the minister to safeguard the interests of regional Australia.
Helen Haines says: “Regional Australia will be the home of this country’s renewable energy transition … Renewables are being developed at a lightning pace right across our continent. But we must listen to the communities affected and make sure we get it right …” Helen has a seat at the table in the renewable energy projects review.
2030Yea will engage with the review to represent the interests of our community. We will be letting you know how you can contribute to our representation, and where you can make a public submission. The review process starts this month (July 2023) with a report to be ready by December 2023.
Wind resistance
We have come (again, as I’m sure we have been here before) to a time in history where we are face to face with the future. Governments and communities share the responsibility of getting it right. Let’s be curious and concerned about what is happening on the land around us and in the skies above. We may need to challenge windmills, but let’s be motivated by curiosity and true concern for the future.
