GWMWater will receive $85,000 to develop a community business model for local electricity supplies that will be piloted at Donald.
GWMWater placed Runner Up in the Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge, a collaboration between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Intelligent Water Networks (IWN) and the Minister for Water Harriet Shing to promote innovation in addressing the challenges of climate change within the Victorian water sector.
13 entries were received across Victoria, with six entries, including GWMWater’s Donald Community Energy Pilot Project shortlisted.
The funding received will be used for a commercial options assessment and feasibility study to determine how a local electricity supply would deliver benefits to communities.
The project proposes an electricity supply system pilot to deliver more reliable, locally produced clean energy at an affordable cost.
The project has the support of Donald 2000 Inc., a community group that aims to develop and maintain the liveability of Donald.
Chair of Donald 2000 Inc., John McConville, said Donald was a proactive and innovative community.
“Donald has been at the forefront of trying to get an independent and more secure energy source for some time,” Mr McConville said.
GWMWater Managing Director, Mark Williams, said the project aligns with the organisation’s broader clean energy strategy.
“The pilot project supports the development of a localised, carbon-neutral circular economy within Donald that could be replicated in other townships across our region,” he said.
“GWMWater is pleased to have the support of Donald 2000 Inc. for a project that will if successful, contribute to the prosperity of the region,” Mr Williams said.
For more information about the challenge, visit: climateinnovationchallenge.org.au