Cheaper, cleaner and locally owned energy is so close the Manilla Community Renewable Energy group can almost bask in it.
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A couple of big pieces of the solar-power puzzle are about to fall into place, members hope, as they wait on the results of a grant application and compile a development application.
Group president Emma Stilts said the project had "progressed greatly in the last 12 months".
The proponents now aim to have the solar farm operating by the end of next year.
Manilla locals and supporters, "concerned about the threat of fossil fuel expansion in the north west", have been working to start a community-owned solar farm since 2013.
The group applied for and received a state Growing Community Energy Grant in 2015, which funded feasibility studies.
The project backers will update people on its progress, when Manilla Community Renewable Energy hosts its second 100-Mile Night on October 18.
There will be a three-course meal, featuring produce from no further than 100 miles away, plus music, kids' activities and more. Tickets are from Eventbrite.
Big strides
This year, it has formed a key partnership - Manilla Solar - with Providence Asset Group, an Australian investment firm that supports renewable energy projects and will co-invest in this one.
Manilla Solar has struck a land agreement with a family whose property is within 3km of the town's substation.
This "makes an excellent spot for the solar farm", Ms Stilts said, for which the vision has grown from 2 megawatts to just under 5 megawatts.
Once it is operational, Manilla Solar will invite locals to invest - the benefits including a "better than bank interest rate return" and a fund for local people and projects.
"Our group has entered into an application to the NSW Government's Regional Community Energy program - if successful, this will see hydrogen battery storage attached to the solar farm," Ms Stilts said.
"We are currently working on terms for a power purchase agreement so local people can purchase the solar electricity generated by the farm.
"Our aim is to have this electricity be the cheapest available in the market.
"It will be available for people and businesses within the Tamworth local government area."
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
