Get involved and keep up with the latest information
News
Keep up to date on what’s happening in the renewable energy sector in Gippsland. There are many opportunities for you to help shape the energy transition in our region. Developers and Government Agencies host regular community engagement events that you are invited to attend. They also have regular digital newsletters that you can subscribe to.
We hope you find the Live Supply & Demand sponsored by RenewEconomy useful in understanding, at summary level, what’s currently happening in terms of electricity supply across much of Australia.
News and Opportunities to Engage
150-year mystery solved
Iberdrola Australia’s offshore wind project is not only powering the transition to cleaner energy but also contributing to important discoveries beneath the waves adding to our collective knowledge of Australia’s rich maritime history.
Technical divers from Southern Ocean Exploration (SOE) have this month confirmed the identity and final resting place of the City of Hobart, an iron steamer which sank on 24 July 1877.
Geophysical surveys in early 2025 detected two shipwrecks in and around Iberdrola Australia’s proposed Aurora Green Offshore Wind Project site, located 25km+ off the coast of Gippsland. Iberdrola Australia worked with Commonwealth and Victorian heritage teams to determine the identity of the ships.
It’s a fantastic example of how renewable energy research can go hand-in-hand with preserving our heritage. Together, we’re building a sustainable future while honouring the past.
Tradeswomen Australia Scholarships
Tradeswomen Australia’s 2026 Scholarship Program is now open! Get ready for renewables job opportunities.
With rising living costs and low wages, many women and gender diverse apprentices face challenges like workplace barriers and limited support, leading some to leave their trades.
Tradeswomen Australia wants to change that.
The program supports women and gender diverse apprentices and trainees to:
• Relieve financial stress to stay in their trade
• Access mentoring and support
• Build industry connections
• Complete their apprenticeship or traineeship with confidence
Apply now for financial support and a strong community. Applications Close 1 May 2026.
Wellington Sustainability Festival
The Wellington Sustainability Festival is a partnership between; Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN), Wellington Shire and SEED Community Garden.
Gippsland Offshore Wind Projects Information Stall is part of the festival.
Date: Saturday March 14, 2026
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Nakunbalook precinct and Seed Community Garden, Sale
Come, See, Play and Learn.
A RANGE OF SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS
For full details follow the links below.
SEC Delburn Wind-Farm
The SEC Delburn Wind Farm will help accelerate Victoria’s energy transition to deliver renewable, affordable, reliable energy for all Victorians. There are opportunities for you to be involved in this exiting project.
The SEC Team are conducting community-focused drop-in session focusing on construction information, jobs and other general project questions that may come up.
No need to register for these sessions.
- Yinnar & District Memorial Hall Monday, 2 March 2025 10 am – 2 pm and 3 pm –7 pm.
- Boolarra Memorial Hall, Tuesday, 3 March 2025, 3.30 pm – 7 pm
- SEC Morwell hub 248 Commercial Rd, Morwell Wednesday, 4 March 2025, 11 am – 3 pm
VicGrid’s new responsibilities
𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝?
VicGrid is responsible for planning the declared shared network and all associated functions for Victoria, a role previously held by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
What you need to know:
• the Victorian connections team has moved from AEMO to VicGrid
• a dedicated Access and Connections team is now at VicGrid
• VicGrid now manages all transmission connection applications and approvals
• a new access scheme will give industry more certainty and deliver benefits for communities.
This is a major step towards building the transmission network Victoria needs to power a clean energy future with communities at the heart of its planning.
Gippsland BESS
The proposed 600 MW / 1200 MWh Gippsland BESS is located near the Hazelwood Terminal Station.
Gippsland BESS Community Drop-In Session
Date: 17 February 2026
Time: 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Venue: Hazelwood North Public Hall – 117 Church Road, Hazelwood North
No RSVP required. Light refreshments provided.
At this session you will be able to:
- Meet the project team face to face
- See early plans and understand what is proposed
- Ask questions and raise local considerations
- Share what matters to you before the planning application goes on public exhibition.
For more details contact:
European Energy and BZ Renewables Engagement Consultant Cogency
P: +61 452 593 428
E:consultation@cogencyaustralia.com.au
Victoria’s First Offshore Wind Auction To Go Live In August
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the Request for Tender (RFP) for Victoria’s first offshore wind industry auction will open in August 2026 for an initial 2 gigawatts (GW) of capacity.
This announcement emphasises the need to build new large-scale generation to boost reliability and reduce emissions.
With 90% of coal-fired capacity forecast to retire by 2035, offshore wind is critical to help keep the lights on and create jobs for these skilled workforces in regions like Gippsland. The offshore industry is expected to create over 6,000 jobs and generate billions in investment.
Careers in the Renewable Energy Industry
As the world turns to renewable power sources to cut carbon emissions, the renewable energy industry is growing rapidly. Because of this global shift, there’s a demand for skilled workers who can contribute to a sustainable future.
You can kick-start a career in the renewable energy industry with TAFE Gippsland!
Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Apprenticeship) gives you the essential, job-ready skills to become a technician or solar installer—setting you up for a future in one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries.
Want to take it even further? Build on your qualifications and put yourself at the forefront of renewable energy as a future engineer.
Powering Her Pathway EOI Open
Ready to power up your future? Check out this amazing opportunity!
Trades Women Australia in partnership with TAFE Gippsland is calling for Expressions of Interest from women who want to build meaningful, trades careers in the clean energy sector.
If you’re curious about trades, passionate about sustainability, or ready for a career that’s shaping Australia’s energy future, this is your moment to step in and stand out.
The clean energy workforce needs more tradeswomen, and TWA’s Powering Her Pathway program is here to support you every step of the way.
Register your Expression of Interest by emailing at info@twaus.com.au.
Image credit: Angharad Neal Williams and Gippsland Social Enterprise Collective.
Join a community energy group
Across Gippsland, individuals and community groups are actively exploring, building and using renewable energy in their towns and homes.
Check out the below groups to find out how you can get involved in your local area:
- Baw Baw Sustainability Network
- East Gippsland Climate Action Network
- Energy Innovation Co-operative
- Environment Victoria
- Gippsland Alliance for Climate Action
- Gippsland Climate Change Network
- Heyfield MyTown Microgrid
- Just Transition South Gippsland
- Regen Gippsland
- Sandy Point Community Power
- Totally Renewable Phillip Island
- Venus Bay Community Energy
- Voices of the Valley
- Wellington Climate Action Network Inc.