Victorian legislation and guidelines relating to renewable energy
The following legislation applies to renewable energy in Victoria:
Victorian Renewable Energy Target Act
The Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme will introduce a market-based measure to ensure the Government meets its commitment to achieve 10% of electricity consumption from renewable energy sources energy in Victoria.
Established through the Victorian Renewable Energy Act 2006, VRET will continue until 2030, providing long term support for the renewable energy industry in Victoria and reducing greenhouse gas emission by 27 million tonnes over this period.
Under the Victorian Renewable Energy Target Act 2006, retailers and wholesale purchasers of electricity will be required to contribute proportionately towards a renewable energy target of an additional 3,274 GWh of renewable energy by 2016.
Accredited renewable energy generators that began operation after January 2007 are able to create Renewable Energy Certificates for a period of 15 years. Eligible renewable energy sources include hydro, solar (except solar hot water), wind, geothermal and biomass.
The Victorian Essential Services Commission (ESC) is responsible for administering the VRET scheme.
In November 2007, a new Federal Labour Government was elected. The incoming Government has committed to a new expanded Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) that would see 20% of Australia's electricity coming from renewable sources by 2020. This policy proposes to replace the existing state renewable energy targets, including VRET, into a single national measure. It is expected that a decision on this transition will be reached later in 2008.
Geothermal Energy Resources Act
The Victorian Geothermal Energy Resources (GER) Act creates a framework to facilitate and regulate the exploration and extraction of geothermal energy resources in Victoria. To read more about the act, see links below.
Wind Energy Development Act
The Wind Energy Development Act facilitates the development of Victoria's wind energy industry by removing barriers to grid connection and providing an assured buyer for power from small wind generators. The Act establishes wind policy and planning guidelines.
Wind Policy and Planning Guidelines
The policy and guidelines for development of wind energy facilities in Victoria provide a clear decision-making framework to ensure that proposals for wind energy facilities are thoroughly assessed against criteria important to both proponents and the community before development can commence. To read more about the guidelines, see the link below.
