Media release

MELBOURNE — The Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, has announced funding for seven new Community Power Hubs, including the first dedicated to communities in metropolitan Melbourne.

The Metropolitan Community Power Hub will be operated by the Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF), based in Richmond. Through the Hub, YEF will collaborate with community energy groups, providing support, funding, and local expertise.

“We are very excited to be leading the first Power Hub based in metropolitan Melbourne,” said Dean Kline, YEF’s Chief Executive Officer. “Suburban and inner-city areas are facing different challenges to regional areas, such as smaller roof spaces, more tenanted buildings, and less land for installations like wind or solar farms.”

“This new ‘Metro Hub’ can address some of these challenges and involve more people in the energy transition while unlocking more community-owned energy projects across the metropolitan area,” said Mr Kline.

“We’ve seen incredible momentum for renewables in Australia, but many on the frontlines of the energy transition still need guidance and technical support,” said Mr Kline. “Thanks to Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Government, we can deliver that much needed support.”

From 2017-2019, the Victorian Government funded three successful Power Hubs which reduced 1,800 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, created 16 local jobs, and generated over $11 million in the local economy.

In a statement to media, the Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said “Our Community Power Hubs will be working on the frontline, helping small businesses and community organisations to be a part of the renewables revolution. This is all a part of our plan to halve emissions by 2030.”

“These community-owned and operated hubs will bring local renewable energy projects to life, drive investment in regional Victoria, create jobs and reduce energy bills.”

The Metropolitan Hub will connect with councils and community climate groups in surrounding local council areas, including Yarra, Port Phillip, Darebin, Glen Eira, and others, and is planned to run until mid-2022.

Community groups include the Port Phillip Emergency Climate Action Network, Darebin Climate Action Network, Yarra Climate Action Network, Lighter Footprints, and others.

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About the Yarra Energy Foundation

Yarra Energy Foundation is a not-for-profit providing services and advice to homes and businesses that want better energy. Yarra City Council established the foundation as an independent not-for-profit in 2010, and the council remains our core funder. We partner with others to bring expert sustainability services beyond Yarra’s borders, and are governed by an independent board of directors. To learn more, visit www.yef.org.au

Contact

Timothy Shue, Communications & Marketing Manager, Yarra Energy Foundation
E: tim.shue@yef.org.au
P: +61 404 799 166

Dean Kline, CEO, Yarra Energy Foundation
E: dean.kline@yef.org.au
P: +61 478 212 995

To learn more, visit the Victorian Community Power Hubs website