<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/gridlocked-the-ridiculous-rules-that-trap-farmers-and-their-solar-systems-behind-their-own-fences/>
"It’s one of the more absurd contradictions in Australia’s clean energy
transition.
Across the country, farmers are investing heavily in solar, batteries and smart
irrigation systems to cut emissions, save money and reduce their reliance on
the grid.
But many are discovering that the electricity generated on one part of their
property can’t legally be used just a few paddocks away, simply because it
crosses a boundary line on the map.
That’s the reality for Sandra Jefford and her partner, Wilco Droppert, who run
the Wilandra Dairy Farm in Victoria’s Gippsland region. Four years ago, they
embraced renewables, installing solar panels and batteries across three
different sites on their farm, which are all connected by existing poles and
wires owned by network operator AusNet.
It was a million-dollar project, expected to pay for itself within seven years,
with 250 kW of solar and a sizeable battery system. At the same time they
upgraded their irrigation infrastructure, adding remote control systems on all
the pivots and pumps to sync with their renewable energy.
“This project was so worthwhile,” Jefford says. “It’s not just the electricity
savings – it saves us about 25 hours a week on labour because of this
automation.”
Wilandra’s water use is now more efficient, emissions are down, and their
operations are smoother.
“It’s much safer too. My husband doesn’t have to go out during the night, so we
get a much better sleep through irrigation season. There are so many benefits.”
But there’s a catch.
Each of the solar and battery installations sits on a different land title, and
that means the electricity they generate can’t legally be shared between them."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
