The Victorian Government is powering communities through local renewable energy projects that promote regional investment, create jobs, and help lower electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the latest round of funding for the New Energy Jobs Fund (NEJF).

The NEJF makes $1 million in grants available to fund projects that encourage more community-owned renewables and create more environmental, economic and employment opportunities.

This round will offer grants that support community groups to develop renewable energy projects with a potential to grow local jobs in Victoria’s regions.

These projects will help deliver on the Regional Renewable Energy Roadmaps released today, which identify local renewable energy potential across the Gippsland, Loddon Mallee, Grampians, Hume and Barwon South West regions.

Communities wanting to harness the benefits of renewable energy can learn from the experiences of Community Power Hubs. The Hubs were part of a recently completed pilot program, co-funded by Sustainability Victoria, that supported community-owned and operated energy projects.

The Community Power Hubs operated in Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley across 15 projects. They worked with 200 businesses, created local employment opportunities and produced an economic impact of $11 million.

Applications for Round 5 of the NEJF close on 18 June. Find out more or submit an application at energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/community-energy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re putting the power back in the hands of the community. This will create more local jobs across Victoria.”

“Victoria’s regional areas are leading the charge with renewable energy. There is so much momentum in Victoria’s towns and regions, because they are seeing the benefits of this technology and the jobs it creates.”