Two small power generation stations in northern Victoria have become the first power stations in the State to be accredited under the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme.
The Essential Services Commission, which administers the VRET scheme, has approved the two stations, at Longwood and Tatura, to create Victorian renewable energy certificates. The Commission has approved the accreditation of the Elgo – Longwood Wind Power Station and the Tatura Sewage Gas Power Station under the VRET scheme. Elgo – Longwood Wind Power Station has a total generation capacity of 150 kilowatts and the Tatura Sewage Gas Power Station a total generation capacity of 1.1 megawatts.
Under the Victorian Renewable Energy Act 2006, all electricity retailers and wholesale purchasers of electricity are required to contribute toward the generation of additional renewable energy by acquiring renewable energy certificates.
The VRET scheme mandates Victoria’s consumption of electricity generated from renewable sources to be increased to 10 per cent by 2016. ESC Chairperson Greg Wilson said the accreditation of the two power stations represented a significant milestone for the VRET scheme. “Renewable energy is rapidly capturing the interest of the commercial energy sector and the VRET scheme will play a major role in harnessing new energy sources,” he said.
The Commission assumed responsibility for the VRET scheme on 1 January 2007. It is presently registering VRET participants and is in the process of assessing further applicants for accreditation. The VRET scheme operates in parallel with the Federal Government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme.
For further information contact: Greg Wilson Chairperson (03) 9651 0201 Gavin Clancy Communications Manager (03) 9651 0282 or 0414 653 927
The Essential Services Commission is responsible for the economic regulation of Victoria’s energy and water essential services. It aims to protect the community’s interests in relation to cost, reliability and quality of supply, while ensuring a sustainable and competitive utility sector into the future.