ELEVEN community renewables projects have been recognised in the inaugural Climate Council Choice Awards, including New England Solar Farm, at Uralla near Armidale.
The New England Solar Farm was named by the Climate Council as demonstrating how renewables can happily coexist with farming.
As one of Australia’s newest and largest solar farms, New England Solar Farm providing ideal grazing conditions for around 6500 sheep and lambs, the Climate Council says.
Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie, said the awards show renewables are delivering for everyday Aussies.
“Cleaner power, lower bills, and stronger communities are just some of the brilliant benefits of a national renewable power system,” she said.
“From rooftops to the grid, it’s essential every community shares in the social, economic, and environmental benefits of renewable energy from the sun and wind, backed by storage.
“The next term of government takes us to 2030, when we need to have cut climate pollution from coal, oil, and gas by 75 percent.
“Coal is rapidly on the way out and we can replace it with more clean, affordable, and reliable renewable power,” she said.
“To protect Australians from the worst effects of climate change and address cost of living pressures, whoever forms the next government must maintain momentum by supporting and investing in more projects like the eleven we have awarded.
“This will enable more Australians to access the benefits of the energy transition, and secure a safer future from us all.”

Bomen Solar Farm’s ‘Women in Solar’ program shows how the industry can combat traditional barriers to employment in the energy sector
Climate Council Choice Awards recipients
New England Solar Farm, Uralla, New South Wales
The New England Solar Farm demonstrates how renewables can happily coexist with farming.
Haystacks Solar Garden, Riverina, New South Wales
Haystacks Solar Garden is the first solar garden in Australia.
Bomen Solar Farm, near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
Bomen Solar Farm’s ‘Women in Solar’ program shows how the industry can combat traditional barriers to employment in the energy sector.
South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant
South Australia’s Virtual Power Plant is leading the way to show how governments can help lower power bills for citizens who are doing it tough, while also helping provide more clean power to the community and strengthening the energy grid.
Marlinja Microgrid, Marlinja, Northern Territory
The Marlinja Microgrid is leading the way for other projects to help First Nations communities take control of their power.
Totally Renewable Akinwande, Yackandandah, Victoria
Totally Renewable Yackandandah is punching well above its weight and showing how a small, volunteer-led group can achieve amazing things.
Victorian Big Battery, Geelong, Victoria
VBB is one of the world’s biggest batteries, and empowers future generations by supporting science and sustainability initiatives at a local school, and funds a scholarship for diverse students to pursue a career in STEM through Deakin University.
Denmark Community Wind Farm in WA and Hepburn Community Wind Farm in Victoria
The Denmark and Hepburn community-owned wind farms have been powering their communities for more than 10 years. They were ahead of the curve in showing what’s possible to achieve when a small group of passionate, hard-working people join forces to help their community and the planet.
Karadoc Solar Farm, near Mildura, Victoria
Karadoc Solar Farm shows how renewable power projects can actively contribute to employment in regional communities.
Kennedy Energy Park, Queensland
Kennedy Energy Park is the first in the world to combine the dream team of wind, solar and battery storage all in one place.
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