02 6499 2222 council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Bega Valley Community Energy Upgrades

This project will deliver the installation of renewable solar energy technology to several essential community assets across the Shire.

Tura Marrang brary roof with solar panels.

 

Project Summary/background

This project will deliver the installation of renewable solar energy technology that includes 6 kW solar PV and 13 kWh battery infrastructure to the following community assets:

  • Dickinson’s Recreation Reserve Bermagui
  • Candelo Recreation Ground
  • Barclay Street Sporting Complex
  • Pambula Sporting Complex
  • Wolumla Recreation Ground

The proposed 6 kW of solar is estimated to generate 8 MWh of electricity at each site annually. Surplus renewable energy will be captured by the battery and continue to provide power to the facilities in the evenings.

Bega Valley Shire Council have been advocating for and working on energy efficiency and renewable power initiatives for some time, guided by Council’s Clean Energy Plan 2019-2030. An emissions inventory undertaken for Council in 2018-2019 identified that 36% of its carbon emissions or 3500 tonnes CO2-e (excluding landfill and wastewater) is derived from electricity consumption. Upgrading Council’s solar energy systems will improve energy efficiency, increase clean energy generation, provide social and economic benefit and result in long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. 

Council is actively working towards net zero emission targets and to date have installed approximately 850kW of Solar PV behind the meter. For Council to achieve a future net zero emission target, we are reliant on continued energy efficiency measures, increased local renewable generation developments, access to external renewable energy sources and eventually large-scale carbon offsetting projects.

The Bega Valley community, environment and economy have actively responded to the threat of climate change and the Bega Valley Shire continues to work together towards the goal of being net zero by 2050. For several years Bega Valley Shire Council has been working towards delivering actions in our Climate Resilience Strategy 2050 and Clean Energy Plan 2019-2030, with a key objective to address all Council’s stationary electricity and fuel uses across all 245 separately metered sites. Solar panels and batteries are a cost-effective way for Council to reduce our grid energy demand, reducing costs and demonstrating leadership in the community.

Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan

This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through:

  • Action C5 – Lead climate change mitigation and adaptation through implementation of our Climate Resilience Strategy

Climate Resilience Strategy 2050

  • Reduction in energy consumption of Council operations and facilities and encouraging renewable energy development to support BVSC infrastructure

Clean Energy Plan 2019-2030

  • Improvements in Bega Valley Shire Council’s operational energy efficiency and transition to renewable energy

Funding Our Future

  • Council Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Upgrade Program

Who to talk to

Michael Fiedler
Environmental Management Officer
Bega Valley Shire Council
Phone: (02) 6499 2222
Email: mfiedler@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

 

Timeline of works


  • August 2025 to November 2025

    Request for quotes and engagement of contractors

  • December 2025 to March 2026

    Installation of solar PV and batteries at each facility

  • April 2026

    Contractor handover

  • May 2026 to June 2026

    Project completion and acquittal

News and Updates

 

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