The latest is a proposal by UPC Renewables to build one of Australia’s largest solar farms just east of Uralla, bringing 600 to 800MW more solar Pv to the region. UPC is an Australian branch of an international renewable energy company who develop and own wind and solar farms all over the world.
How should the benefits of solar be shared?
If the project goes ahead, UPC have committed to sharing the benefits of the solar farm with the local community by contributing $250 per year for every megawatt of solar power installed. For the planned 600 to 800MW solar farm, this means somewhere between $150,000 to $200,000 per year for 25 years.
This benefit sharing could take the form of funding (e.g. grants, sponsorship, scholarships), partnerships with important local groups or projects, in-kind contributions, education and tourism initiatives, and much more.
UPC are seeking guidance from locals about how these funds can create a positive, lasting and meaningful impact for the local community.
UPC also plan for the project to create up to 500 jobs during the construction phase and 15 ongoing jobs. They are setting up a register for interested local contractors and workers to stay up to date with project opportunities.
Harvesting your ideas & priorities
UPC are establishing a Community Reference Group and will be holding a public workshop to gather ideas and develop recommendations on the best ways UPC can contribute lasting value to the local area.
They have appointed the Community Power Agency (CPA) an independent not-for-profit, to lead this process and are working with other local groups, like Farming the Sun, Starfish Initiatives and Z-NET Uralla. Starfish has worked extensively with CPA over the years on a wide range of community energy projects and the development of the broader community energy movement and sector.
Community Workshop
A community workshop will harvest people’s ideas for the many possible ways the benefits could be shared and brainstorm the principles that should underpin the benefit sharing strategy.
Come along on Saturday 15 September, 1-4pm to the Uralla Community Centre.
You can also provide feedback and ideas for benefit sharing using UPC’s web form.
Community Reference Group
The Community Reference Group will take the ideas gathered from the community and develop the community benefit sharing recommendations for UPC. Nominees will be selected to represent the interests of important local stakeholder groups.
Nominations for for the Community Reference Group are currently open and will close on 26 August 2018 at 12pm midday.
For more info, go to www.newenglandsolarfarm.com.au/community, email info@newenglandsolarfarm.com.au or call 1300 250 479.
