Hume Region Renewable Energy Roadmap

Home , Goulburn Valley, Hume (region), Numurkah Solar Farm, Rural City of Wangaratta, William Hovell Dam

Hume Region Renewable Energy Roadmap Hume - our The voices of the Hume are loud, powerful and direct particularly on issues that matter like, voices, our education, local jobs, responding to climate vision for a change, fair and equitable access to cheap, clean renewable energy, appropriate use of agricultural land, local energy investment and benefit sharing from renewable future energy developments. Over the past 12 months, community leaders and members have joined us to understand what a renewable energy future in Hume could look like, and how we can achieve it together. This Roadmap represents our community’s voices, ideas and values. Renewable Energy Roadmap 1

Contents

Foreword 2 About this Roadmap 3 What are we trying to achieve with this Roadmap? 3 Our renewable energy landscape today 4

Hume’s renewable energy history 6 Pioneering renewable hydro generation 7

Renewable energy in Hume today 8 Community energy groups in Hume 10 Hume’s strong transmission infrastructure 12 Wind generation in Hume 13 Solar generation in Hume 14 Hydroelectricity in Hume 16 Bioenergy in Hume 18 Uptake of renewable energy in business today 19

Hume’s renewable energy future 20 Improving our transmission infrastructure 22 Opportunities for distributed energy resources (DER) 24 Victoria’s home of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) opportunities 28 Bright future for large scale solar 32 Bioenergy future opportunities 35 Emerging technologies 36

Keeping it going... next steps to a renewable energy future 38 Electrical transmission infrastructure 39 Distributed energy resources (DER) 39 Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) 39 Large scale solar 39 Bioenergy 40 Emerging technologies 40 2 Hume Region

Foreword

The Hume Renewable Energy We’ve also identified regional 5. Bioenergy resources are Roadmap project was established opportunities for renewable energy in abundant in the region, with by the Goulburn and Ovens Murray Hume. These are: softwood plantation feed stocks Regional Partnerships to support and in the North East and agricultural 1. Willing, engaged communities, guide an exciting renewable energy feed stocks in the Goulburn Valley. a coalition of community energy future for our region. Our region annually produces groups delivering localised energy over 1.5 million tonnes of organic/ Today, Hume’s energy system is generation and distribution for biomass resources material sophisticated, interconnected, community benefit. suitable for bioenergy. There are and governed by national rules. 2. Distributed energy resources already three biogas generators Historically it was more localised, and smart integration of these operating in Hume, supplying with community-owned power into our local grid. These power to 1,700 homes. stations supplying individual technologies are already being communities. Hume also has a proud This Roadmap tells the story of our embraced by the 13 community history of renewable hydroelectric region’s energy history, how we are energy groups active in our generation, commencing in the 1920s beginning to embrace renewable region and supported by industry with the 13.5MW Rubicon scheme energy technology, and what a partners. and most recently with the 140MW future sustainable renewable Bogong power station in 2009. 3. Hume also has significant energy landscape could look like. pumped hydro energy storage It also draws on and celebrates the During this Roadmap’s development, development potential, so much contributions of people from across we focused on two streams of so there is 13 times more storage Hume, highlighting what’s important work. A major emphasis has potential than is required to for our future renewable energy been to build the skills, capacity support a 100 percent renewable landscape. and understanding within our grid, for all of Australia. communities, industry and It signposts the way to a renewable government to shape our renewable 4. Large scale solar will have a energy future for Hume, which builds energy future. Over 30 capacity place in Hume, and our quality on and complements the tremendous building and skills development solar resources and the main amount of work and initiatives already activities were delivered, bringing transmission lines running underway. thousands of voices to the through our region are attracting conversation about renewable investment interest. At the time energy in our future. of this report, there is more than 2,700MW of solar farm connection interest from investors.

Chair David McKenzie Chair Irene Grant Goulburn Regional Partnership Ovens Murray Regional Partnership Renewable Energy Roadmap 3

About this Roadmap

This Roadmap provides a region- What are we trying to achieve with this specific strategy for Hume. It Roadmap? articulates our renewable energy past, present and potential future, and Hume’s uptake of renewable energy land and protecting the abundant captures how our region’s leadership, is already providing significant natural resources which drive and ingenuity is creating jobs economic, social and environmental make our region unique. benefits. These benefits are expected and economic benefits, and helping This Roadmap provides an insight to to increase as we see further address broader climate challenges. the energy landscape in our region. It commitment via locally led initiatives. The Roadmap was identified as includes our progress, our priorities Through the Roadmap process, we a priority project through the and pathways. It tells our renewable have listened to and consulted with the Goulburn and Ovens Murray Regional energy story, where we’ve come from, community, through events, meetings Partnerships. There are nine Regional where we’re up to and what’s next. and workshops, and by reporting back Partnerships in Victoria and these through regular communication and It’s our story and it’s about making were established in 2016 on the basis updates. the best use of our abundant, local that local communities are best natural resources, and harnessing the Our community has strong ties placed to understand and address the enthusiasm, drive and passion of the to the region and it’s important challenges and opportunities faced by people who make up our communities. their region. we find a balance in how we use Hume’s abundant natural resources. Most importantly, this Roadmap is In 2016 at both the Ovens Murray Acknowledging and protecting what a snapshot of the achievements, and Goulburn Regional Partnership we value is important as we transition activities and future that our Assemblies community and industry to a renewable energy future, including community wants to share. participants told us one of their looking after high value agricultural priorities was to support action on climate change and renewable energy. From these priorities the idea of a regional renewable energy Roadmap was formed.

Power of Solar by Liam Hindle, winner of u Renewable energy youth photo competition Benalla renewable energy street art q 4 Hume Region

Our renewable energy landscape today

Cobram Yarrawonga Barnawartha 9.5MW 50M Litres Biodiesel

Murray River Numurkah Yarrawonga Wodonga Nathalia 128MW Rutherglen Numurkah Wodonga Hume Chiltern 58MW

Shepparton Tallangatta 1.9MW Corryong Yackandandah

Shepparton Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura Dederang Dartmouth Glenrowan 180MW Tatura 1.1MW Benalla

r Bright e Euroa v i Mt Beauty R Nagambie n

u o Kiewa

G 392MW William Hovell 1.6MW Seymour Hydro electricity generator Solar farm Mansﬁeld Cherry Tree Hill 57.6MW Wind farm

Alexandra Biogas generator Broadford Yea Eildon Biodiesel plant Eildon 120MW Kilmore Community energy group

Rubicon Terminal station 13.5MW VIC/NSW interconnector

220kV transmission line

330kV transmission line Renewable Energy Roadmap 5

Hume currently has over 1GW (1,000MW) of renewable electricity generation. The annual output of this generation is around 1,700GWh.

Cobram Yarrawonga Barnawartha 9.5MW 50M Litres Biodiesel

Murray River Numurkah Yarrawonga Wodonga Nathalia 128MW Rutherglen Numurkah Wodonga Hume Chiltern 58MW

Shepparton Tallangatta 1.9MW Corryong Yackandandah

Shepparton Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura Dederang Dartmouth Glenrowan 180MW Tatura 1.1MW Benalla

r Bright e Euroa v i Mt Beauty R Nagambie n r

u o Kiewa

G 392MW William Hovell 1.6MW Seymour Hydro electricity generator Solar farm Mansﬁeld Cherry Tree Hill 57.6MW Wind farm

Alexandra Biogas generator Broadford Yea Eildon Biodiesel plant Eildon 120MW Kilmore Community energy group

Rubicon Terminal station 13.5MW VIC/NSW interconnector

220kV transmission line

330kV transmission line 6 Hume Region Hume’s renewable energy history Renewable Energy Roadmap 7

The people of Hume are historically enthusiastic Pioneering adopters of electric technology. Local communities met in halls across the region renewable hydro to discuss the introduction of electricity and generation electric lighting to their towns, with votes held, for example, in Rutherglen and Kilmore in In 1921, the State Electricity Commission 1906, Shepparton in 1911, Cobram in 1912, and of Victoria (SECV) was formed to merge Wagunyah in 1913. small generating operations and pursue the economies of larger-scale production As part of Cobram’s 1912 vote, and transmission of electricity across the homeowners signed a written state. This was to become vital as demand guarantee to install 400 electric lights for connections kept growing, including in in their premises, while, in Kilmore, the Victoria’s regional towns and rural areas. 1906 debate resulted in local people becoming shareholders in the Kilmore After six years of construction, the Electric Light Company. Rubicon Hydroelectric project began operations – the first state-owned hydro With limited or no transmission scheme to start generating in mainland infrastructure in Victoria, towns that Australia, and one of the first remotely wanted to use electricity needed to build controlled hydro operations in the world. q Kiewa Hydro-electric Scheme tunnel their own distributed energy resources. construction c1938 (Public Records Office Victoria) This pioneering spirit in the early In its first 10 years of operation, the twentieth century was the start of the Rubicon scheme supplied on average Hume region generating its own power. some 17 percent of all electricity supplied Rutherglen, for example, had a small to Victorian customers by the SECV. plant operating by 1911, and Cobram By the late 1930s, the Victorian had its own generation by 1914. Government had also launched a second This was typical of early power supply major hydro works program, the Kiewa in Victoria, with many small private Hydroelectric Scheme, to harness energy electricity companies supporting local from water draining off the Bogong High areas. Plains. Both these pioneering projects are still operating today. The Snowy hydroelectric scheme, built in

t Junction Dam spillway the 1950s and just over the border in New (State Library) South Wales, is connected to Victoria by q Kiewa power station transmission lines which also service our 3, Rubicon looking up and Kiewa transmission hydroelectric generators. (State Library) 8 Hume Region Renewable energy in Hume today Renewable Energy Roadmap 9

p Solar powered irrigation near Yarrawonga t Transmission power lines running through orchards in Shepparton

The Hume community’s Key drivers for local renewable energy, However, the region’s diversity means enthusiastic adoption generation, innovation and take-up there are other developments and of renewable energy include a willingness to acknowledge opportunities. These include Hume’s and address the impacts of climate first wind farm in the south of the projects means our change and strive to achieve a cleaner region, hydro generation, pumped region is one of the energy future, reduce energy costs, hydro energy storage opportunities, leading community ensure energy justice and keep the bioenergy plants, significant uptake of energy hubs in benefits of local energy investment rooftop solar and numerous small-scale Australia. Currently, within the community. distributed renewable energy projects. across Hume, Today, there are many examples renewable energy of community leaders, groups and generation equates organisations finding tangible ways to to around 1,700GWh reduce their energy costs and support a 1 per year . renewable energy future.

Hume is attracting significant large- scale solar development interest, driven by our excellent solar resources and access to an extensive and stable transmission network, capable of distributing renewable energy from Hume to support the state energy supply.

1. Renewable energy generation is based on data from the Clean Energy Regulator and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). 10 Hume Region

Community energy groups in Hume

Hume has the highest number Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) of community energy groups • Worked with Beyond Zero Emission to create a plan to make Benalla energy neutral by 2028. within a single region in Australia. • Supporting local communities with information sharing and ideas. Midway through 2019, Hume is • Running a community solar bulk buy. home to 13 community energy or environmental sustainability groups, working on energy projects. More GV Community Energy (GVCE) Cobram groups are forming. • Supported installation of 3,200 plus solar PV systems. • Working on region’s first community- Community renewable energy Yarrawonga Rutherglen owned solar farm. Nathalia Numurkah Wodonga projects are owned and run by local • Connected with 5,700 local people Chiltern communities for the benefit of local through their workshops. Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah people, with communities joining Wangaratta Beechworth forces to share information and Shepparton Tatura knowledge, and to develop, deliver Euroa Environmental Group and benefit from clean energy • Supporting the $6M grassroots project to install 589kW of new solar (PV) Benalla solutions. panels, up to 400kWh of new batteries and establish a micro grid. Euroa Bright Community energy projects are Nagambie diverse and can include solar panels Mitchell Community or hot water bulk buys, micro or mini Energy (MCE) Seymour Mansﬁeld grids, community-owned solar or • Supported installation 99kW solar wind farms or electricity retailers. system on Karingal Elderly Citizens Alexandra Hostel, equating to savings of more Broadford Yea than $25,000 p/a. Kilmore • Partnering with Mitchell Shire Council to install 400 solar panels on the Seymour Sports and Aquatic q Youth renewable energy photo Centre, equating to savings of competition winners about $30,000 p/a.

Murrindindi Climate Change Network • Supported 40 local businesses with a free assessment and individualised report with tips to increase energy efficiency and lower their environmental footprint.

q Wangaratta community energy roadshow Renewable Energy Roadmap 11

Totally Renewable Rutherglen Renewable Albury Wodonga (RAW) Energy • Newly formed - has joined the North East • Key achievements included having five solar PV systems installed on Community Energy Network. local Beyond Housing social housing units. • Progressing the business case for building a minimum of a 2MW solar farm with direct benefit to those in the community unable to put solar on their own roofs. • Installing 10 x 4kW solar power systems with full energy monitoring.

Cobram

Totally Renewable Tallangatta Yarrawonga Rutherglen Nathalia • Formed in 2018 and leading the charge for Numurkah Wodonga Chiltern community energy in the Upper Murray. Totally Renewable Yackandandah Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah (TRY) • Five step plan to make Wangaratta Beechworth Shepparton Yackandandah 100 Tatura percent renewable by 2022. Totally Renewable • 99kW solar PV array Benalla Beechworth on community health • Aiming for their postcode to service, saving more Bright Euroa be totally renewable by 2030. than $200,000 over next Nagambie • Has run several community 10 years. forums and planning more. • Generation of 1GWh renewable energy, Seymour saving $1million in Mansﬁeld energy costs. Sustainable Upper Ovens (SUO) Alexandra Broadford Yea • Community events, online information resources and practical workshops. Kilmore • Ran the All About Solar Expo, June 2019, which almost 250 people attended. Wangaratta Sustainability Group • Recently hosted information sessions on opportunities for everyone to be part of the change to cleaner renewable energy. Renewable Energy Mansfield • Energy efficiency workshops to interpret power bills. • Committed to providing affordable and sustainable energy to Mansfield residents in response to rising energy prices and community action on Climate Change.

Beechworth community energy roadshow q 12 Hume Region

Transmission power lines near Winton Wetlands p

Hume’s strong transmission infrastructure

Many Australian regions have plentiful solar and wind resources. The extensive Cobram

Yarrawonga supply of these resources, a range Nathalia Rutherglen Numurkah Wodonga Chiltern of incentives, and the falling cost of Tallangatta Corryong Yackendandah technology are driving the rapid uptake Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura of renewables. Households, businesses Benalla and community groups have quickly

Euroa Bright built their distributed generating Nagambie capacity, while large scale renewable Seymour energy developers continue to invest in Mansﬁeld 220kV transmission line Alexandra Yea connecting to the grid. Broadford 330kV Kilmore transmission line What is now being recognised is the Terminal station need for adequate transmission to VIC/NSW share these resources. Major network interconnector infrastructure can carry renewable power so it is available where and when Hume has two main high voltage transmission lines – a 220kV line from Shepparton households and businesses need it. to Wodonga via Glenrowan and Dederang, and a 330kV from South Morang on It can also carry power to and from Melbourne’s outskirts to Dederang and to New South Wales – and numerous 66kV different places, time zones and types sub-transmission lines. of generators, so it doesn’t matter if the sun isn’t shining or wind isn’t blowing in There are five major electrical terminal stations in the region at Shepparton, a particular location2. Glenrowan, Dederang, Mt Beauty and Wodonga, with new renewable energy generation connection capacity of 400MW across the region’s terminal stations3.

This infrastructure has supported renewables growth to date, and is also expected to be augmented in the near future.

2. Australian Energy Market Operator 2018 Integrated System Plan and 2019 Victorian Annual Planning Report. 3. Australian Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure web portal. Renewable Energy Roadmap 13

Wind generation in Hume CASE STUDY

Hume has 100m (height above For these reasons, wind generation ground) average wind speeds ranging is likely to continue to have a lower from around 5m/s in the north, and profile in Hume compared to other as low as 3.5m/s in the sheltered parts of Victoria. alpine valleys, however, some areas There is currently one wind farm in Hume’s south have average annual in development in Hume, the wind speeds of 7-8m/s. 57.6MW Cherry Tree wind farm Much of the area of Hume with near Seymour. higher quality wind resources While the prospects for future consists of state forests and national large scale wind projects in the parks, in the southern and eastern region are constrained, the region parts of the region, which are also does have specific areas where mountainous, difficult to access, there is some accessible wind and subject to bushfire risk. Social resource, and scope for smaller license to develop wind generation wind developments to meet local would also be expected to be a energy consumption. challenge in Hume’s high amenity mountainous and alpine areas. Cherry Tree Average wind speeds in Hume wind farm

Located near Seymour on Cobram four host farms, Cherry Tree Yarrawonga Rutherglen Nathalia Wodonga Numurkah Chiltern wind farm is targeted for full

Tallangatta Corryong commercial operation in the Yackandandah Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura first half of 2020. Infigen is

Benalla managing construction, and will purchase the electricity Euroa Bright Nagambie generated through a power purchasing agreement Seymour Mansﬁeld when Cherry Tree wind Alexandra Broadford Yea

Kilmore farm is operating. There will be 16 wind turbines with a generating capacity of 57.6MW, enough to power 37,000 homes. Tower height is 91m and rotor diameter 136m. Construction will create 80 jobs, with five ongoing. 14 Hume Region

p Numurkah solar farm

Solar generation in Hume

Our region enjoys outstanding solar Solar Radiation in Hume resources. As this chart shows, Hume’s solar radiation averages very high Cobram levels, second only in quality to the far Yarrawonga Rutherglen Nathalia Wodonga north west of the state. Numurkah Chiltern Tallangatta Corryong The Hume region generates a lot of Yackandandah Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth energy from these solar resources, Tatura both through large scale solar farms Benalla connected to the grid, and through Euroa Bright Nagambie distributed (“rooftop”) PV systems owned by homes and businesses Seymour Mansﬁeld across the region. Alexandra Broadford Yea Currently there is 1.5MW of large Kilmore (systems bigger than 99kW) rooftop solar capacity installed across Hume, in addition to more than 154MW of smaller rooftop solar systems installed. In total, our region generates around The 128MW peak Numurkah solar There is a total of over 2,700MW of 280GWh of electricity from rooftop solar farm in Hume is currently undergoing expressed interest in further solar PV each year. commissioning. Four more connection development connection interest Large scale solar development – solar applications have been made for large in Hume, as investors recognise our farms connecting to the electricity grid scale solar farms ranging in size from high quality solar resources and – is a significant part of our region’s 22MW to 110MW. At least 12 other large- transmission infrastructure capacity. current and future renewable energy scale solar farm connection enquiries This level of investment interest could generation landscape. Development have been registered by the Australian be worth around $4 billion, but the cost will be subject to the Solar Energy Energy Market Operator (AEMO). of building large scale solar farms is Facilities – Design and Development variable, and this figure is based on a Guidelines that will be implemented capital construction cost of $1.5 million through the Victorian Planning per MW of capacity. Provisions. Renewable Energy Roadmap 15

Yackandandah residents have now generated over 1GWh u of roof top solar, saving the community over $1million dollars

Total rooftop solar PV generation capacity (2017)

0 5,000kW 10,000kW 15,000kW 20,000kW 25,000kW 30,000kW 35,000kW

Alpine Shire

Benalla Rural City

Greater Shepparton City Council

Indigo Shire

Mansfield Shire

Mitchell Shire

Moira Shire

Murrindindi Shire

Strathbogie Shire

Towong Shire

Wangaratta Rural City

Wodonga City

CASE STUDY

Historic Beechworth Gaol now solar powered

In April 2019, Indigo Power switched on the first community-owned solar power system in north east Victoria. The 89 solar panels installed now provide 55 percent of the Old Beechworth Gaol’s electricity needs. The goal was also once home to the bush ranger Ned Kelly. 16 Hume Region

Hydroelectricity in Hume

Hydro generation has been and The major hydro schemes in our Smaller hydro schemes in the region continues to be a major renewable region are: include: development industry in the region. Kiewa William Hovell Presently there is 780MW of hydro Multiple power stations with 392MW 1.6MW capacity with an annual output generation in Hume, with another total capacity and 404GWh annual of 3.7GWh. 1,500MW flowing through the output. region’s transmission network from Eildon Pondage the Murray 1 and 2 power stations, Dartmouth 4.5MW capacity with annual output of just over our far eastern border with The largest single hydro generator 15GWh New South Wales. in Victoria with 180MW capacity and 217GWh annual output. Rubicon Commissioned in the 1920s, four small Eildon power stations, with total capacity of Four generators with 120MW capacity 13.5MW and annual output of 64GWh. and 184GWh annual output. Yarrawonga/Mulwala Hume Total capacity 9.5MW and 50GWh 58MW and 220GWh average annual output per annum. output. Several very small run of river or micro hydroelectric turbines have also been developed in the region to power visitor q Lake Mulwala weir gates infrastructure at Mt Stirling and at Steavenson Falls (near Marysville) both in the southern edge of the region.

q Lake Hume, hydroelectric generator on left of the weir. Renewable Energy Roadmap 17

Presently there is 780MW of hydro generation in Hume.

Yarrawonga 9.5MW Cobram Hume 58MW Yarrawonga Rutherglen Nathalia Numurkah Wodonga Chiltern

Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura

Benalla Dartmouth 180MW

Euroa Bright Nagambie Kiewa 393MW Seymour

Mansﬁeld William Hovell Alexandra Broadford Yea 1.6MW

Kilmore Rubicon 13.5MW Hydroelectric scheme Eildon 120MW

Lake William Hovell hydroelectric scheme near Wangaratta u Lake Mulwala weir, diverts water for irrigation and run of river q hydroelectric generation 18 Hume Region

Bioenergy in Hume

Bioenergy is derived from biomass Communities in these areas are (organic matter of recently living starting transition to alternative forms Biodiesel – a renewable plant or animal origin) to generate of heating. Careful management of liquid fuel made from electricity and heat, or to produce firewood into the future is important. biomass, usually liquid fuels for transport. Biomass vegetable oil or animal Currently Hume has several bioenergy is available in many forms such fat – is seen as a green plants operating, which collectively as agricultural products, forestry energy alternative to provide enough power to supply over products, municipal and other waste. diesel. 1,700 average Victorian homes or Traditionally, woody biomass has around 9.5GWh per year. In July 2019, Australia’s been used for bioenergy, however largest renewable biodiesel more recent technologies have These bioenergy plants are all biogas producer reopened expanded the potential resources to plants which convert the gas into operations in Barnawartha include agricultural residues, oil seeds electricity through generators and in Hume. Just Biodiesel will and algae. feed that electricity into the grid. produce up to 50 million litres Three generators are: of biodiesel each year, made Firewood has always been an mainly from tallow • Shepparton Goulburn Valley Water important energy resource in and recycled waste water plant biogas = 1.1MW. the region, with over 1.3 million vegetable oil. hectares of public land and firewood • Tatura Goulburn Valley Water plantations providing this valuable waste water plant biogas = 1.1MW. energy resource. There are areas such • Shepparton Cosgrove Landfill gas as the Murray River forests which are = 0.8MW (LMS energy). running out of firewood.

q Diamond Energy’s 1.1MW Shepparton biogas generator, Goulburn Valley Water supply biogas from the sewage works in the background Renewable Energy Roadmap 19

p Roof top solar at Buller Wines near Rutherglen.

Uptake of renewable energy in business today

In addition to the uptake of rooftop There are five local governments In-front and behind-the-meter power solar by local business and industry, in Hume offering environmental purchase agreements and micro power there are several other ways local upgrade agreements (EUAs) to provide purchase agreements are also being businesses are taking advantage of local government, rates-based loan taken up across the region, by small renewable energy. agreements to finance investments in and large energy consumers. Several renewables on commercial properties. regional manufacturing businesses EUAs are offered by: have entered into these with large scale solar and wind farms, enabling • Greater Shepparton City Council. them to source their renewable energy • Indigo Shire Council. direct from the generator. This is a • Mitchell Shire Council. competitive, environmentally friendly • Moira Shire Council. way for energy customers to purchase • Rural City of Wangaratta Council. electricity.

Artwork by Taungurung artist Mick Harding q

CASE STUDY

Indigenous Power

In 2019, a behind-the-meter power purchase agreement was negotiated between Taungurung Land and Water Council, Indigo Power and Department of Environment Land Water & Planning. The agreement benefits all parties and provides a model for government and community collaboration in renewable distributed energy resources. Through the agreement, DELWP’s office in Broadford will be powered with Taungurung- owned renewable energy. 20 Hume Region Hume’s renewable energy future Renewable Energy Roadmap 21

We have several, distinct renewable What are our significant opportunities, and how do we energy generation opportunities make them happen? and advantages in Hume. This section of the Roadmap expands on these future-focused renewable 1. Distributed energy resources – energy generation, distribution building on our cultural and electricity system changes. and storage opportunities, many of which are unique to our region. These opportunities are supported 2. Pumped hydro energy storage – mass energy storage opportunities. by the region’s existing electrical transmission infrastructure, which will be further enhanced if potential 3. Large scale solar – upgrades proceed. development corridor across the region.

4. Bioenergy – Hume region is ranked third for potential in the state.

There are also emerging renewable energy technology opportunities in Hume – for example, solar thermal, and green hydrogen as a fuel. Hume contains nationally significant road and rail freight corridors which means we have the opportunity to benefit from the potential future decarbonisation of the transport and freight industries, as more environmentally friendly heavy transport fuels are introduced. Our region is expected to remain a significant transport hub q Students at Cathedral College and thoroughfare for east coast train networks, Hume Freeway, Goulburn Valley Wangaratta learning about renewable energy technologies Freeway and transport through Shepparton, and Albury/Wodonga. 22 Hume Region

t Grid connection insulators at Numurkah solar farm

Improving our transmission infrastructure

Current renewable energy generator These upgrades may enable future connection capacity in Hume is likely connection opportunities for large How is transmission to become constrained due to thermal scale renewables in the Hume region. managed? limitations, as existing connection They will overcome constraints that In Victoria, electricity capacity is used by early renewable are growing now, or are expected, on transmission infrastructure energy generators (large scale solar PV our two key high voltage transmission (the big, high voltage farms). While this is a limiting factor on lines, and existing limits to new powerlines) is controlled 4 large scale solar, planned upgrades to generation connection capacities at by the Australian Energy the transmission grid at a state level the region’s terminal stations (which Market Operator (AEMO) may result in new opportunities for are Shepparton: 320MW, Glenrowan: but owned and run Hume. 400MW, Dederang: 400MW, Mt Beauty: by Ausnet Services. 50MW, Wodonga: 400MW, and Eildon: Before making major 50MW). infrastructure investments, AEMO undertakes a Regulatory Investment Test - Transmission (RIT-T) to assess the costs and benefits of alternative investment options.

4. This capacity information was sourced from the Australian Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure platform. These figures are indicative only and actual connection capacity at one site is dynamic and needs to be assessed on a case by case basis. Renewable Energy Roadmap 23

Transmission powerlines near Whitlands in the mountains p Transmission powerlines near Goorambat u

AEMO is considering three separate in Hume. The final RIT-T report in Overall, the likely impacts of these network developments that could July 2019 outlined augmentations proposed transmission upgrades on the benefit Hume: to be completed from now to 2025, Hume region are: costing an estimated $370 million 1. A 170MW upgrade to the 330kV • Potential increased new generator and delivering gross market benefits transmission from South Morang to connection capacity, especially of $670 million. Dederang and over the border, to in the area from Shepparton increase the capacity of the line to 3. Increasing Victoria to New heading east towards Benalla and import and export more electricity South Wales electricity transfer Wangaratta (i.e. the Shepparton between Victoria and New South capacity by 1,800MW with a new to Dederang terminal stations Wales. Much of this 330kV line interconnection between the two and those sub transmission runs though the centre of many states, crossing the border near assets associated with the 220kV pumped hydro energy storage Kerang. AEMO has outlined the transmission line). opportunity hot spots in Hume. potential benefits of an additional • Increased capacity of the 330kV AEMO identified this upgrade as an interconnector as maximising the transmission from South Morang urgent need in its 2018 Integrated reliability and resilience benefits (outskirts of Melbourne) to System Plan, and this proposal from Snowy 2.0 at lowest cost Dederang to support better Victoria has been backed for action by the for Victorian consumers, as well to New South Wales interconnection Council of Australian Governments as delivering other benefits. This may open up some smaller pumped (COAG) Energy Council. RIT-T has not commenced but the hydro energy storage opportunities need for one in the near future 2. Upgrades to 220kV transmission in the mountainous areas of the has be identified by AEMO and infrastructure to support massive south and east of the Hume region. the Victorian Government as an renewable energy development emerging need. Advancing a RIT-T in Western Victoria (2,000MW of is seen as prudent insurance committed generation in the region against any early closure of coal- and another 3,000MW anticipated fired generation or significant by 2025). This could also increase supply reduction. new generation connection capacity 24 Hume Region

p Community funded rooftop solar at Yackandandah Health

Opportunities for distributed energy resources (DER)

Currently, most energy is generated DER is growing rapidly and is forecast In their 2017 Electricity Network centrally at large scale and sent out to to play a huge role in Victoria’s energy Transformation Roadmap, Energy users across the transmission network. future: Networks Australia and CSIRO predict Increasingly, energy today is generated that by 2050 appropriately integrated • AEMO’s Integrated System Plan and stored locally, through smaller DER can provide great consumer predicts that by 2039-40 25% of pieces of infrastructure in our homes, benefits: the state’s energy will be supplied businesses and communities. by roof top solar and batteries. • Average annual household energy Resources that are created or stored cost savings of $414. • Energy Networks Australia (ENA) locally and connected to the local and Commonwealth Science and • Network Service Providers distribution grid are called distributed Industrial Research Organisation payment to DER owners for energy resources, or DER. (CSIRO) in their Electricity Network ‘network services’ up to $2.5 Examples include rooftop solar PV, Transformation Roadmap predict billion annually. solar hot water, home batteries, and up to 45 percent by 2050. • $16.2 billion avoided network electric vehicles. DER also includes investment through coordination As well as offering immediate benefits demand response (consumers of DER. to the consumers who choose to being rewarded for reducing power generate or store their own resources, use by switching off devices like DER can also have a much larger air-conditioners and pool pumps). combined impact in a power system. This response can help smooth out DER enables more local grid capacity peak demand, and reduce maximum by increasing the local generation and demand. consumption of renewable energy, and provides local coordination of small renewable energy resources to affect large grid responses. Collectively this will all lead to lower energy prices and more energy security. Renewable Energy Roadmap 25

How does distributed energy resources (DER) work?

Electricity Network

Generator Transmission Grid Consumers

Generation Homes Small-scale On-site generation and generation, such as storage can help shi hyrdo, solar and wind, energy use at or home or produce electricity and provide electricity back are connected to the into the grid. Electric local distribution grid. vehicles parked in garages could also be used to store and export electricity.

Business and Storage Local Industry Storage technologies Distribution Energy eiciency, demand can withdraw electricity Grid response techniques and from the grid when on-site generation are used prices are low, store it to manage energy use. and then release Embedded generators, such energy back into the as gas turbines, cogeneration grid when needed. and diesel generators, and stored electricity could be used or sold to the grid.

AEMO’s 2018 Integrated System Plan also identifies the transformative effect Why is DER important for Hume? DER is having and will continue to DER – and more specifically consumer-owned DER – provides huge have on Australia’s energy network, opportunities to capture much of the economic and social value particularly at the higher end of the of renewables locally. These economic and social benefits are key predicted uptake levels. DER can drivers for a renewable energy future in Hume. support both the development of a There is real potential for Hume’s towns and communities to renewable energy powered electricity become a larger scale coordinated distributed energy network. network by lowering network building Hume already has the highest density of community energy groups costs and reducing the net present for any region in Australia, all of which have renewable DER as the value of wholesale renewable energy central element of their missions/activities. resource costs by $4 billion. AEMO DER fits very strongly with several of our region’s key values about clearly states that the full benefit of a renewable energy future, including the potential local economic DER, for consumers and the power benefits, lower energy costs and the sense of “energy justice” a system, will only be realised when it is decentralised grid provides. properly coordinated. 26 Hume Region

Common DER renewable energy sources in CASE STUDIES our region include:

• Rooftop solar. • Solar hot water. • Energy storage. • Distribution scale in-front-of-the-meter renewable energy farms (solar, hydro, bioenergy). • Micro grids. • Demand response.

If we add up all the rooftop solar in the Hume region now, it’s more than 154MW of total renewable energy generation – that’s around the same as Numurkah Solar Farm and Cherry Tree Wind Farm combined!

When we consider the extent of our current DER, together with the growing North East Community Network number of battery installations, and demand response capabilities, the The North East Community Energy Network formed to support scope for Hume is significant. community energy groups in our region, to share knowledge The fast growth of rooftop solar shows and experiences. The network has, for the first time, started how quickly things can change when planning for a region-wide community solar hot water bulk buy. consumers take their energy choices Two types of solar hot water will be included in the buy – heat into their own hands. The day will come pump and evacuated tube. soon in Hume, as it has already in many This bulk buy will bring the benefits of reducing house hold power systems around the world, when energy consumption for hot water heating by up to 70 percent, consumers will be paid by electricity allowing for better use of rooftop solar PV generation, by companies for demand response, or for increasing behind-the-meter consumption. exporting rooftop solar energy at times Furthermore, if this bulk buy is done at a large enough scale that help support the grid and lower the it has the potential to support increased penetration levels of need for new investment. solar PV, as it can substantially reduce the demand for off-peak There are locations in Hume which electricity and decrease day time solar PV grid exports. present great opportunities for local people to invest in DER and coordinate Indigo Power their efforts (see areas from Mondo maps). Collaboration across community Indigo Power is a registered social enterprise, community and with industry present opportunities energy company, supporting delivery of the many renewable to the region to benefit from local DER. energy initiatives in Hume. The type of initiatives which have directly benefited from Indigo Power’s support include behind- the-meter solar power purchase agreements and work is underway on local electricity trading and demand management opportunities. Indigo Power will also play an important part in Hume’s DER future. Renewable Energy Roadmap 27

Hume is well positioned to become a Potential areas of the Hume electricity distribution national leader in DER due to our: network for demand management options • Varied geography and range of

Cobram renewable resources (solar at all Yarrawonga Nathalia Rutherglen Wodonga scales, PHES, bioenergy). Numurkah Chiltern

• Local energy demand. Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah Beechworth • Proximity to existing hydro plants Shepparton Wangaratta Tatura and transmission infrastructure. Benalla • High level of community interest, Euroa Bright capability and social licence for Nagambie action. Seymour Mansﬁeld • Electricity grid being constrained, Alexandra and pockets of the distribution Broadford Yea Kilmore grid being very constrained, Distribution feeder powerlines leading to demand management Electricity supply area of present or opportunities. future constrained zone substations • Population being dispersed across many settlements, with lots of small and medium towns and few regional cities.

Constrained electricity feeders south of Wodonga, an area that could take advantage of demand management opportunities.

CASE STUDY Mondo Power

Mondo Power is partnering with community energy groups in Hume to co-develop and deliver Australia’s most effective and coordinated DER opportunities and projects. These initiatives, developing genuine regional energy hubs, are resulting from the trust and positive relationships Mondo and our local community are building, and the consistent, shared goals. Through community and industry collaboration, DER opportunities will be realised at a rate and scale not otherwise obtainable. This collaboration has already delivered the region’s first two mini grids, with the critical orchestration p First household to sign up to a mini-grid in the region capability so strongly identified in AEMO’s Integrated Systems Plan. 28 Hume Region

Victoria’s home of pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) opportunities

Hume provides a significant Leveraging this opportunity will opportunity for pumped hydro energy require careful consideration of water Our region’s pumped hydro storage. The Australian National availability. Water is an important energy storage (PHES) University (ANU) confirmed this and highly valued resource in the development opportunities potential in a March 2019 study and Hume region and its use is already can provide the energy storage subsequent report5. competitive, especially in the Murray needs of a renewable energy Darling basin of which Hume is part. future, not just for Hume, but From an engineering perspective, Stream flows in the Hume region are for Victoria and Australia. Hume theoretically has 13 times projected to decline by around 20 Energy storage is an important the pumped hydro energy storage percent by 2065, leading to increased part of a renewable energy potential required to meet a 100 competition for water6. future and will (combined with percent renewable energy grid other changes to our energy (500GWh) for Australia5. Robust network) help support wind environmental assessment and and solar generation to meet community consultation would be our energy needs 24 hours a required before proceeding with any day. Technologies like PHES development and only a subset of help shift renewable energy potential sites are likely to be viable supply from times of low grid once all factors are taken into account. demand (like the middle of the day when rooftop PV is supplying plenty of power) to times of high demand (like the morning and evening, when rooftop PV generates less power).

q Lake William Hovell dam Renewable Energy Roadmap 29

How does pumped hydro energy storage work?

Stored water can be run downhill when demand is high and electricity is needed

Upper storage

Excess electricity in the system is used to pump water back uphill

Pumping mode Lower storage Water is pumped back into the upper Power Generating mode storage ready for station re-use when more Water ﬂows quickly downhill through energy is needed the turbine to generate electricity

The research conducted by ANU is • A subset of these sites (20 percent) Collectively, these four areas could extensive, and has reported that, in our are classed as high quality sites store 570MWh of electricity, and region7: (based on an economic model the number of 15GWh for potential which considered construction costs sites in each of the four areas can • There are 151 off-river sites and power generation output) and summarised as: technically suitable for PHES provide potential energy storage development, ranging from –– Buxton – 22 class A+B sites capacity of 1,260GWh – still 2.5 2GWh to 150GWh sites and with a (highest when sites were ranked times the required energy storage combined energy storage capacity from class A to class D). for a 100 percent renewable grid in of over 6,500GWh. These sites –– Toombullups – six class A+B Australia. were identified using a geographic sites. information system based research • A preliminary analysis highlights –– Tallangatta Valley – seven class program, using algorithms which four clusters for potential A+B sites. modelled the location and size of development. These areas are key –– Yackandandah – three class A+B potential PHES development sites because they are co-located with sites. in the region. the region’s existing high voltage transmission network, so stored power can be readily transported when and to where it is needed.

5. ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science June 2019, http://re100.eng.anu.edu.au/global/) 6. Reference Water for Victoria report page 37. 7. It is important to note that the identified potential PHES sites are theoretical, and were identified using modelled information. None of the sites have been the subject of commercial, geological, hydrological, environmental, heritage and other studies. Attention to these matters and consultation with land owners and managers would be essential prior to any development. 30 Hume Region

PHES development opportunities in Hume Identification of potential

PHES sites in Hume included Cobram

Yarrawonga analysis of: Rutherglen Nathalia Wodonga Numurkah Chiltern

• Latitude, longitude, and Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah elevation of the reservoir. Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura • Area of the reservoir (in Benalla hectares).

Euroa Bright • Water volume of the reservoir Nagambie (in gigalitres). Seymour • Length of the dam (in metres). Mansﬁeld

Alexandra • Dam wall height (in metres): Broadford Yea Kilmore the maximum height of earth and rock wall; different wall PHES development opportunity zone heights will produce different Concentrated area of high quality dam and reservoir shapes and PHES opportunities volumes. • Volume of rock in the dam Like all new developments, further work on PHES opportunities will focus on wall (in gigalitres) based on a the need for engagement and benefit sharing. The key next steps to further 3:1 upstream and downstream understand the region’s PHES development potential are: slopes. • Refine the location and number of high quality PHES sites. • Water-to-rock (W/R) ratio: ratio between volume of the stored • Investigate site specific characteristics including: water and volume of rock –– Land tenure. in the dam wall; reservoirs –– Native resource management implications. with higher water-to-rock –– Hydraulic modelling. ratio are economically more –– Grid connection options. competitive. –– Geological modelling.

For each pair of upper • Shortlist priority sites through economic modelling and a determination and lower reservoirs the of state wide renewable energy storage requirements. following attributes were also identified: Once these processes have been undertaken, community and landholder consultation and market development activities can progress. • Head (in metres): minimum altitude difference between potential upper and lower Pumped hydro energy storage developments are complex reservoirs. projects, and it is important potential developers: • Distance (in kilometres): minimum horizontal distance • Clearly identify and rank sites of development interest. between potential upper and • Have early and continuing engagement with regulatory lower reservoirs. bodies including (Department of Environment Land • Slope: ratio between the head Water and Planning, Catchment Management and the distance. Authorities, Water Corporations and local government), Additional information is available from well prior to any planning application. www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/ victorias-renewable-energy-roadmap/ hume-renewable-energy-roadmap Renewable Energy Roadmap 31

Outside of the ANU study, other projects have examined smaller PHES opportunities in the region, often centering on adding value to existing water storage assets.

Euroa Environment Group and Mitchell Community Energy/BEAM Mitchell Environment Group have collectively explored two local small to medium scale PHES development opportunities. A potential project at Euroa could generate 2-4MW of power for 6-12 hours, and could store 25MWh, while another at Trawool Map showing all the identified PHES potential development sites in Hume. could generate 6MW for 6-12 hours and store 36MWh.

A cluster of high quality 15GWh PHES potential development sites. Here you can see the lower reservoirs in dark blue, paired upper reservoirs in light blue and the water conveyance (pipeline or tunnel) connecting the pairs of reservoirs.

CASE STUDY Trawool

Trawool Reservoir is a decommissioned old town water supply dam, originally built in 1890s, in the south of the Hume region, near Seymour. The reservoir can hold ~100ML of water, and has a head height of ~260m to the Goulburn River below, which would act as the lower reservoir.

Trawool has the potential to store 36MWh of electricity with a power rating of 6MW. This is based on using half (50ML) of the reservoir’s volume. 32 Hume Region

Bright future for large scale solar

Large scale solar has a place in Individual proposed developments Key drivers for the rise Hume’s renewable energy future, range in size from under 100MW all of large scale solar and is developing as our region’s next the way to 500MW. Within Hume, and investment in Hume are: renewable energy industry following along the approximate route of the Hume’s existing hydroelectric Shepparton to Wangaratta transmission Transmission generation industry. power line corridor, current solar infrastructure farm connection enquiries total over connection There are already multiple large scale 2,700MW. Much of this development capacity. solar farms proposed in the region, is being encouraged by the existing with four connection applications for connection capacity of the transmission High quality solar farms ranging in size from 22MW network, and anticipation about solar to 110MW, and at least 12 other solar increased network capacity resulting resource. farm connection enquiries registered from planned network upgrades. by AEMO. The majority of proposals are Regional electricity in the municipalities of Shepparton, demand centres Moira, Benalla and Wangaratta. with increasing demand.

Cobram Other important considerations Yarrawonga Numurkah Rutherglen in large scale renewable Nathalia Wodonga Chiltern

energy developments include Tallangatta Corryong our regional values regarding Yackandandah Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth strategically important Tatura agricultural land, regional Benalla amenity and local benefit. Euroa Bright Nagambie

Seymour Mansﬁeld

Alexandra Broadford Yea

Kilmore

Solar farm applications to AEMO

Solar farm enquiries to AEMO

220kV transmission line

330kV transmission line Renewable Energy Roadmap 33

t Wilson Transformer Company in Wodonga are a local manufacturer of important renewable energy infrastructure

Hume, and its two sub regions (the Goulburn Valley and the North East) Key considerations for development of large-scale solar PV have highly productive agricultural farms in Hume: land, some of which is identified as • Consideration of impact on strategic agricultural land strategically important agricultural land. This means the land has specific • Land scape amenity, areas of the region have important qualities not readily found elsewhere, visual values to locals and visitors or of a type or value in limited supply. • Benefit sharing with local communities The proposed locations of large scale solar farms need to carefully address the existing agricultural value of Local social and economic outcomes account for them. The Solar Energy proposed sites. from large scale renewables are an Facilities – Design and Development The amenity, including visual important value the community Guidelines released in July 2019 and to impact, of solar farms also needs to expect from large scale solar farms be implemented through the Victorian be considered. This is particularly in Hume. The region expects local Planning Provisions, will help in this important in Hume, which is social and economic outcomes from regard. characterised by wide and relatively developments, and there is appetite Taking these matters into flat productive plains in the north near for benefits beyond short-term local consideration, large scale renewable the Murray and Goulburn rivers, which employment and procurement. energy generation development in run south and east to the northern Large scale developers looking to Hume is achievable, affordable and will slopes of the Great Dividing Range. The build solar farms along this corridor drive substantial economic benefits in landscape amenity of the intersection need to be aware of these key the region. of the productive plains and the regional considerations and look to northern slopes of the Great Dividing select appropriate sites and adopt Range is relatively unique in Victoria. appropriate development plans to

Community co-investment or co-ownership of developments should be explored, including examples in Victoria (Coonooer Bridge Wind Farm) and New South Wales (Sapphire Wind Farm) and possibly be emulated locally. 34 Hume Region

Strategic agricultural land Cobram

Yarrawonga Numurkah Rutherglen There are three areas of strategic Nathalia Wodonga Chiltern agricultural land in Hume: Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah • Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura (GMID) spans 27,000 km2, and is particularly valuable, generating Benalla

Euroa Bright $5.9 billion worth of production Nagambie annually. Irrigation infrastructure

Seymour and existing regional industry in the Mansﬁeld

GMID is sensitive to significant land Alexandra Broadford Yea use change. Solar developers active Kilmore in the Greater Shepparton and Moira local government areas need to Strategic agricultural land as identified by the Hume Regional closely consider this. Growth Plan 2014 • Rutherglen and surrounds. • Alpine valleys south and east of Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Sustainable development of the Large scale solar farms require between renewable energy industry will need 200ha to 1500ha of land ‒ the equivalent to factor in the strategic importance of of at least 100 football fields. this land through appropriate planning and regulatory frameworks such as the Solar Energy Facilities – Design and q Launch of Winton solar farm Development Guidelines to be finalised in 2019.

CASE STUDY Winton solar farm

The FRV Winton solar farm is a $150 million development across 250 hectares and, when completed, will have a capacity of 98.8MW, producing enough energy to supply approximately 50,000 homes. This will avoid annual emissions of around 150,000 tonnes of CO2. At the time As part of the auction scheme, proponents were of this Roadmap’s publication, construction was yet to required to submit community engagement and benefit commence on this solar farm. sharing plans. The plans submitted for the Winton solar farm include support for the Benalla Sustainable Futures The Winton solar farm was successful under the Victorian Group, Regent Honeyeater volunteers, Goulburn Ovens Renewable Energy Auction Scheme (VREAS) which was TAFE traineeships and provision of visual buffers and established to support achievement of Victoria’s renewable other support for adjoining landholders. energy target of 25 percent of Victoria’s electricity generation being sourced from renewables by 2020. Renewable Energy Roadmap 35

Bioenergy future opportunities

Bioenergy can provide valuable firming How does bioenergy work? and other services to support solar and wind power. Firming means adding energy supply that can be relied on at Woodchip Heat particular times, to support generation powered boiler Energy that varies depending on its energy sources (sun and wind). Waste collected

Gas Hume is ranked third highest for Biowaste Biogas plant availability of biomass residue generation in Victoria. The region generates 16 percent of Victoria’s organic wastes, which is equal to more Homes and businesses than 1.5 million tonnes each year8.

Across our region, agricultural wastes Gas can be injected into natural Distant towns and cities gas pipeline such as straw and forestry wastes such as softwood plantation residues are the The region has power and gas The Victorian Organics Recovery major organic/biomass resource that dependent industries whose energy Strategy emphasises the importance of could power a local bioenergy industry. needs could be met by bio-gas co-location of bioenergy facilities with These resources could supply 18 or thermal biomass produced by biomass feedstocks, because feedstock million GJ per year. Forestry wastes are bioenergy plants. There is also a good transport costs are an integral factor concentrated in the south and north quality reticulated gas network which in bioenergy plants. For this reason, east of the region, and agricultural bodes well for bio-methane injection bioenergy can fit well into a distributed wastes are predominantly in the into the existing gas network. energy future. Goulburn Valley.

Bioenergy feedstocks in the Hume Composition of Hume’s biomass feedstocks

Cobram

Yarrawonga Numurkah Rutherglen Nathalia Wodonga Chiltern

Tallangatta Corryong Yackandandah Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth Tatura

Benalla

Euroa Bright Nagambie

Seymour Mansﬁeld

Alexandra Broadford Yea Kilmore Municipal solid Forestry - 0.03% waste 7.44% plantations Area of concentrated organic agricultural bioenergy feedstocks Construction & Forestry - 0.46% demolition 12.40% sawmills Area of concentrated plantation timber bioenergy feedstocks Commercial Primary 1.25% and industrial 72.24% production manufacturing

6.18% Commercial and industrial 8. Data from Australian Biomass for Bioenergy Assessment project. other 36 Hume Region

Emerging technologies

Other renewable Green Hydrogen energy technologies Hydrogen produced from the According to the June 2019 report “The also hold promise for electrolysis of water using renewable Future of Hydrogen” by the International Hume’s renewable electricity can play an important role Energy Agency 9 litres of fresh water energy future. The in our renewable energy future. In its are required to produce 1 kilogram of technologies covered National Hydrogen Roadmap of 2018, hydrogen, producing 8 kilograms of in this section are still the CSIRO identifies big picture ideas of oxygen as a byproduct – so water supply emerging in Australia exporting liquid hydrogen to Asia, and would be a consideration to manage. the important role hydrogen can play as in terms of their Green hydrogen can be used to store a transport fuel. commercial viability. energy in time of abundant supply, to The two prerequisites for green complement or ‘firm’ supply from wind, hydrogen production are renewable solar and other renewables. electricity and water, both of which are Like biogas production, hydrogen accessible in Hume. Hydrogen can be production in Hume could also take produced by several processes, but the advantage of the region’s reticulated electrolysis of water using renewable gas network. Hydrogen can be blended electricity is the lowest carbon into existing gas network at 10 percent intensive. without pipeline or consumer change requirements9.

How does green hydrogen work?

Hydrogen Storage

Water Heating

Electrolyser is powered by renewable energy

Electrolyser ygen Fuel Cell Water is purified. It is then Fuel cell generates heat and split into hydrogen and electricity from an oxygen using an electrolyser electrochemical reaction and electric current. between hydrogen and oxygen.

9. Australian Energy Market Operator 2019 Victorian Gas Planning Report. Renewable Energy Roadmap 37

Brisbane Solar thermal

Solar thermal technology allows the thermal energy of the sun to be directly captured as heat, rather than converted to electricity as is the case with solar panels. This captured thermal energy can then be used in industrial processes where existing carbon based fuels are used.

Solar thermal is particularly good at delaide Sydney providing both process heat and steam, Canberra along with lower grade heat for ancillary Wodonga Shepparton Wangaratta purposes such as cleaning. Benalla Seymour Due to the cost and scale of solar thermal Melbourne Major transport links plants, deployment of this technology

Hume region is not widespread, and currently there is only one Australian facility, in South Australia. It is not a new technology, as flat Transport and hydrogen plate solar or evacuated tubes have been Hydrogen can also be used as a transport Due to growth in population and providing low cost renewable hot water fuel, in fuel-cell vehicles (1 kilogram of consumption, freight is forecast to for decades in Australian homes, but hydrogen has the same energy content grow for Melbourne by 100 percent by industrial scale solar thermal is untested as 3.2 kilograms (equivalent to about 4.3 2030. Inter and intra-regional freight in Victoria. 10 litres) of petrol) . movements in regional Victoria, which Existing industry in the Hume region has increased by 180 percent from 1991 to Hydrogen has weight advantages over high thermal energy needs, along with 2007, are also projected to increase11. chemical batteries, especially for electric electricity needs. Shepparton and Tatura, heavy transport vehicles. The Victorian Government’s commitment along with other food processing hubs to addressing climate change means our like Cobram, Strathmerton, Wodonga Hume has three of Australia’s most transport sector will also need to reduce and Wahgunah, all have existing industry significant freight corridors running its carbon intensity12. which requires thermal energy. through it, and intra-regional freight movements are also very high. We have Hydrogen is future technology, and there The clustering of food processing two substantial inland freight centres – are barriers to its uptake – including industries in the Hume region provides How does green hydrogen work? Goulburn Valley and the future GV Link vehicle (heavy and passenger) cost, the potential for co-ownership of solar (located in and around Shepparton), production cost and the development thermal plants to supply local thermal and Logic Centre, co-located with the and availability of refueling infrastructure energy requirements. Industrial ecology is twin cities of Albury Wodonga – and 25 – which are beyond the scope of this often a term used to describe the mutually percent of Victoria’s truck registrations Roadmap. The CSIRO projected that, by beneficial co-location of industry. are in the Shepparton area. The around 2025, hydrogen fueled vehicles Further work is needed to better planning and future development of GV could be at price parity with both internal understand where and when industrial Link is a clear signal of the current and combustion and battery electric vehicles. scale solar thermal could fit in Hume’s growing importance of inland freight renewable energy future. though Hume.

10. US Department of Energy 11. Victorian Freight Future Report 2008. 12. Victorian 2018 report Delivering the Goods. 38 Hume Region Keep it going ... next steps to a renewable energy future Renewable Energy Roadmap 39

Electrical transmission infrastructure

• Continue to monitor and understand changes to electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, noting that many of these changes are likely to be outside of our region.

• Where opportunities emerge, such as increased renewable energy generator capacity, be ready with a plan to manage impacts and maximise local benefits.

Distributed energy resources (DER)

• Community energy groups and their industry partners and local government supporters are continuing to drive the evolution of regional DER resources.

• The potential value DER can bring to energy consumers is large and warrants continued support.

Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES)

• There is potentially an exciting and large pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) opportunity in our region, but at this stage it is just that, a potential opportunity.

• Further work is needed to educate the community about PHES, and undertake investigations to understand constraints and develop a more detailed picture of the ‘best bet’ opportunities.

Large scale solar

• There is currently a place for large scale solar generation in the region, and the signs are pointing to that opportunity continuing.

• The release of the Solar Energy Facilities – Design and Development Guidelines will provide guidance on these large scale renewable energy facilities.

• Clustering of large-scale solar farms around available grid connection areas is a growing trend in the region. Understanding how we manage this demand and possible local impacts is important.

• Maximising local economic and social benefits from large scale solar farms is an opportunity in front of us right now. We need to continue to encourage renewable energy developers to work with local communities and share the benefits of solar farms.

• Exploring community co-ownership or co-investment is a logical next step to the existing community benefit sharing plans of existing and planned large scale solar farms. 40 Hume Region

Bioenergy

• Tonnes of bioenergy feedstocks are available in Hume, along with electricity and gas dependent business and industry.

• Small scale bioenergy plants are already operational in our region, co-located with feedstocks.

• Development of distributed bioenergy facilities across Hume, to use these feedstocks, is an opportunity to be pursued in conjunction with industry.

• Larger scale bioenergy facilities may be possible in regional centres where there is a high enough density of feedstocks and economic transport solutions.

• Waste management and recycling regulations and the impact of bioenergy projects needs to be considered very carefully to minimise barriers to this emerging industry.

Emerging technologies

• It’s important that we keep looking towards new and emerging technologies and continue to monitor these opportunities.

• Green hydrogen and solar thermal are emerging technologies in Australia, and our region could be a strategic fit for them. Our transport and manufacturing industries currently rely on fossil fuels and we need to find viable alternatives.

• Further work is required to investigate the feasibility of local technology pilots, as test cases for large scale development.

• Local industry, technology suppliers, renewable energy developers and government should look for opportunities to collaborate on better understanding how these technologies could be part of Hume’s renewable energy future. The Hume Renewable Roadmap Project was a project of the Goulburn and Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships.

For more information please visit: www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/victorias-renewable-energy-roadmap/hume-renewable-energy-roadmap