Antinuclear

So it is perhaps to some state shame that one of the few recent Victorian projects to get the financial go-ahead has been backed by the Australian Capital Territory.

On Tuesday renewable energy firm Windlab​ announced it has signed a deal with a Japanese company for the final financing for a $50 million wind farm north-west of Bendigo, meaning construction will now begin mid-year.

The Coonooer​ Bridge Wind Farm will have a modest six turbines and generate up to 19.4 megawatts of power, enough for 14,000 homes It is one of three wind projects supported by the ACT government via feed-in-tariffs, with winning projects selected earlier this year through an auction. Company RES Australia was also backed to build a 80.5 megawatt wind farm near Ararat.

The auctions are part of the ACT’s goal to have 90 per cent of its electricity needs come from renewable power by 2020.

Renewable energy investment in Australia has collapsed since the Abbott government launched a review of the national renewable energy target for 2020. In the year to March investment totalled just $206.9 million in Australia, 90 per cent lower than the previous 12 months, according to consultants Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Since 2013 the only other wind project to reach financial close was the tiny Chepstowe wind farm near Ballarat, according the Clean Energy Council……..

Farmer Leigh Watts, who co-owns the land the turbines will be built on, said community opposition to the project was low. He said everybody with land or a home within three kilometres of the turbines got a share in the project and will receive annual dividends.

The Andrews government has commenced work on a “renewable energy action plan” for Victoria, which it says will include measures to attract renewable energy investment to Victoria.

There are several larger wind farm projects still planned for Victoria. But their future has been racked with uncertain with the renewable energy target’s fate still unclear.

Last week New Zealand-based power company Trustpower applied for Victorian planning approval for its proposed $650 million Dundonnell Wind Farm. It is the first wind project to seek planning approval since the state government relaxed laws preventing turbines being built near a home without agreement from residents from two kilometres to one.http://www.theage.com.au/environment/coonooer-bridge-wind-farm-a-renewable-win-for-victoria-in-dire-environment-20150428-1mv971.html