This project explores community-owned renewable energy projects to understand their social, economic and environmental impacts and dynamics. This includes gaining insight into the drivers, benefits and challenges for communities to participate in renewable energy in regional areas (including end-of-grid and off-grid locations). It will explore how such efforts are realised on the ground (via legal structures, economic arrangements and community engagement practices) and their impacts on host communities.
Research outcomes will be of use to partners including the NSW Office of Environmental and Heritage and Suntech, as well as more generally to policy makers, local councils, renewable energy developers, ENGOs, regional development organisations and community groups.