The City of Newcastle is taking proactive steps to help local residents save on energy costs while addressing the impacts of climate change. The city is currently seeking expressions of interest from service providers to deliver a bulk buy community renewables program aimed at homeowners, landlords, and small businesses. This initiative will facilitate the supply and installation of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicle chargers.
Initiative Overview
Executive Director of Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, emphasized that this bulk buy scheme is a key part of the Empowering Newcastle program. “We’re collaborating with residents, businesses, schools, and community groups to transition to renewable energy, electrify, and create a net-zero future,” Ms. Bisson stated.
Currently, nearly 50% of Newcastle’s community emissions stem from non-renewable electricity. Increasing the adoption of renewable energy in households and businesses is essential for significantly reducing emissions while also providing economic and social benefits.
Current Solar Uptake and Barriers
Despite the advantages, only 30% of residential buildings in Newcastle are equipped with solar energy systems, making it the lowest uptake among councils in the Hunter region and below the state average of 35%. Research indicates that several barriers prevent residents from switching to renewable energy, including perceived high costs and complexity.
“Advancing renewable energy adoption is a crucial priority in our Community Strategic Plan and a major component of the Newcastle Environment Strategy. This strategy aims to facilitate the transition of the Newcastle local government area to net-zero emissions by 2040,” Bisson added.
Benefits of the Bulk Buy Program
The bulk buy program will enable Novocastrians to access vetted products and suppliers while educating them about the long-term financial benefits of solar energy, battery storage, and virtual power plants. Participants can potentially earn money by exporting excess energy back to the grid during peak demand periods.
Call for Participation
Expressions of Interest for service providers interested in participating in the Newcastle Community Renewable Energy Bulk Buy Program are now open until 2 PM on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The City of Newcastle aims to launch the program in the first half of 2025, following the selection of suitable service providers.
Suggested Sources
- [City of Newcastle Official Website]
- [Newcastle Environment Strategy]
- [Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)]
