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Pre-feasibility Study - Full Report (pdf 5.05 MB)
Pre-feasibility Study - Summary (pdf 1 MB)
Background -
Hopetoun Survey
Conducted in 2005, the aims of this research project were to examine a rural community’s
energy and water consumption habits, attitudes to and awareness of
sustainable energy and water conservation measures including renewable
energy generation options. This project also assisted in evaluating the
effectiveness of strategies employed to provide practical information on
saving energy at home and in the workplace, how to cut electricity and
gas bills, create a more comfortable living environment, and help to
reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
The survey results indicated the Hopetoun community had
a reasonable awareness of and knowledge of sustainable energy and water
use. The participants revealed generally positive attitudes to saving
energy and water in the home; attitudes a high percentage of those
surveyed had acted on, by undertaking energy and water saving
behaviours. There was slightly more activity in water conservation than
there was in energy conservation in the home, which can be partially
attributed to the residents’ additional experience in reducing their
water consumption, gained over several years of drought conditions and
the subsequent water restrictions.
Introduction
Funding has been received through Sustainability
Victoria to undertake a Pre-Feasibility Study into renewable energy
options for the town of Hopetoun, in Victoria's north west.
This research project is being undertaken by the University of
Ballarat (National Centre for Sustainability) in partnership with a
community based Steering Committee.
Project Summary
To research the capacity of a community-owned
renewal energy generation in Hopetoun, particularly from solar, wind
and biomass energy sources. The study will survey Hopetoun's current
and projected power demand, collect solar access, wind speed data,
biomass potential, investigate potential local alternative renewable
enegy technologies, and develop a model for other communities to
apply in such studies.
The Hopetoun community will retain ownership of the
project, its findings and any associated decision-making for the
community. The University of Ballarat will be responsible for
disseminating the documented project model on behalf of project
partners.
Project Objectives
The objectives of the project include:
- Gather accurate data on wind power, biomass, and solar power
- Survey Hopetoun community on energy use, agricultural waste
management needs and practices
- Develop a model for regional towns and communities to follow in
exploring their own capacity co-operatively to generate renewable
energy, to develop innovative, sustainable industries and to promote
the environmental sustainability of their community
- Establish an education and practical demonstration regional
precinct
- Support the State Governments objective of increasing the share
of Victoria's energy consumption from renewable energy sources
- To work with schools and local businesses to raise awareness of
energy efficiency and sustainability issues
- To keep the community informed of progress through local media,
Gateway BEET etc.
- To achieve project partners and Sustainability Victoria project
milestones and outputs.
Project Outputs
Pre-feasibility Study Report
- Documentation of research process and findings
- Recommendations regarding future energy options
- Recommended future research focus and methodology
Community Cooperative Management Template / Model
Documentation of a template for other
communities to use in their own renewable energy projects
Steering Committee
- Hopetoun Progress Association
- Corrong Development Co-operative
- Yarriambiack Shire Council
- Hopetoun Courier
- Hopetoun Secondary College
- Gateway BEET
- Wimmera Development Association
- Community members
- University of Ballarat
Timeframe
The Pre-Feasibility Study will be completed by the
end of 2007. Subject to the findings of the study, subsequent
stages of funding will be sought for a detailed feasibility study
and implementation.
Media Releases
Read more about the project in:
"People
Power" (pdf)
Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) Rural and Regional Network
Newsletter June 2006 (pdf) (Scroll down to page 12)
Biomass Workshop - 15 October
Presentations:(pdf)
Hopetoun Future Energy Day
Conducted on Sunday 2 March 2008 at the Hopetoun
Secondary College
Contact
For more information please contact:
Craig Hurley
Project Manager
Ph: 5362 2684
National Centre for Sustainability
University of Ballarat - Horsham Campus
Email: c.hurley@ballarat.edu.au
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