A new project partially funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is set to help landowners maximise their participation in the clean energy transition.
The $500,000 investment will help RELA Australia to build on its existing product, creating an improved software tool that provides clear, independent information to assess the potential of wind and solar energy generation on regional land.
With the inclusion of additional data points, such as the ability to include farm plans while using the tool, the software will allow landholders to determine the potential income of renewable energy generation assets on their land and be better equipped to negotiate agreements with renewable developers.
ARENA Chief Operating Officer, Chris Faris, said that collaboration and partnership is key to realising the nation’s net zero goals, especially in rural and regional Australia.
“This software will empower Australian landholders to make informed decisions about participating in the clean energy transition,” he said.
“By understanding the renewable energy potential of their land, they will be better equipped to engage and negotiate to get a better deal and a fair share of the income benefits from the clean energy projects that are critical to Australia’s net zero future
“This project can help further assist landholders understand the potential for new income streams from their land, giving them a greater stake in the clean energy transition on their own terms.”
ARENA said it recognises that the clean energy transition relies on cooperation between industry, government and local communities.
Projects such as RELA’s software ensure the transition is about more than just consultation – it’s about giving Australians real agency over their involvement in the transition.
ARENA said through the upgrades to this tool, Australian farmers and landholders can take more control, ensuring renewable energy projects and developments occur in a way that benefits both communities and investors.
RELA Chief Product Officer, Stuart Gourley, said that RELA Assess gives landowners independent insights into the renewable energy potential of their land, helping them understand their options and empowering them to proceed with confidence.
“With support from ARENA, we are strengthening RELA Assess to provide additional data, automated assessments to more landowners and farm planning tools that support the coexistence of farming and renewable energy.
“These enhancements will be guided by a stakeholder reference group established by the project representing the various stakeholders, including agricultural peak bodies, government and First Nations organisations, and will help landowners gain clearer insights to more fully understand the potential and opportunity costs of a renewable energy project on their land.
“By improving transparency and decision-making, RELA Assess continues to support landowners in the clean energy transition.”
New developer rating scheme
The Federal Government is also progressing its new Developer Rating Scheme to encourage best-practice engagement and inform landholders about reputable project developers, as recommended by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s Community Engagement Review in 2023.
The pilot stage of the scheme has now opened for registrations of interest from developers who wish to participate in further design and testing of the scheme.
The voluntary scheme will provide transparency over the types of people landholders are dealing with when it comes to renewable development.
The Federal Government said the new scheme is being developed with input from all levels of government, landholders, community organisations, industry bodies and renewable energy and transmission project developers.
At least 24 medium and large-scale generation and transmission developers have already expressed an interest in working with the Stakeholder Reference Group to finalise details for the rating scheme.
This includes Goldwind, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Ark Energy and EnergyAustralia.
While the Developer Rating Scheme will be voluntary, the Federal Government said for farmers negotiating with potential development partners, knowing developers have opted in to be assessed will be powerful information.
The first phase of the scheme is expected to be operational from 1 July 2025.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said the renewable transition can unlock new wealth and opportunities for farmers now and for generations to come.
“To ensure this happens equitably, we want landholders to have access to the best possible data to make informed decisions about who they negotiate with, and the potential of their land.
“We are committed to striking the right balance between supporting the renewables rollout and farming through genuine community engagement and long-term local benefits.”
