Australia is introducing new measures to bring in transparency for landholders in the renewable energy transition
A new Developer Rating Scheme proposes to assess the business performance and capability of renewable energy and transmission developers
It will provide local communities with information about companies planning new infrastructure in their areas
ARENA has also announced funding for the development of a software tool to help landowners assess their renewable energy potential
Australia is working on a new developer rating scheme for renewable energy and transmission developers, for which it has now opened a registration of interest (RoI) call.
This scheme is aimed at improving industry standards. It will establish and encourage best practices and position reputable developers to be selected for new projects.
To the local communities, it will provide information about companies proposing new infrastructure in their areas, thus improving the way renewable energy developers engage with local communities.
According to the federal government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), “The developer rating scheme will assess the business performance and capability of participating developers. It will use objective measures to assess the participant’s track record and capabilities in developing renewable energy infrastructure, including their community engagement.”
Recommended by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s Community Engagement Review in 2023, the new Developer Rating Scheme will be open to developers who wish to participate in further design and testing of the scheme.
“The Albanese Government is committed to striking the right balance between supporting the renewables rollout and farming, through genuine community engagement and long-term local benefits,” said the Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen.
At least 24 medium and large-scale generation and transmission developers have already expressed an interest in working with the Stakeholder Reference Group to finalize the details for the Rating Scheme. These include Goldwind, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Ark Energy, and EnergyAustralia.
Phase I of the scheme is expected to become operational from July 1, 2025. The ROI is open to stakeholder consultation till April 4, 2025 on DCCEEW’s website.
In its attempt to involve landowners in the renewable energy transition, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has approved AUD 500,000 ($315,100) funding to RELA Australia. The company will use the funds to upgrade its software that aims to provide clear, independent information to assess the potential of wind and solar energy generation on regional land. It will enable landholders to assess the renewable energy generation potential of their land, which will come in handy when they negotiate with renewable energy developers to bag a fair deal.
“This project can help further assist landholders understand the potential for new income streams from their land, giving them a greater stake in the clean energy transition on their own terms,” said ARENA CEO Chris Faris.
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