The Point Henry aluminium smelter was located near Geelong and operated for many decades prior to its closure in 2014.  

Since then, both Alcoa (who operated the smelter) and the state government have been considering what to do with the site. It is a sprawling and heavily contaminated industrial site, situated on land of cultural significance, plus conservation areas and other industries.

Friends of the Earth believes that the old smelter site would make an ideal location for a renewable energy park. The smelter used a lot of electricity, which was transmitted by a high voltage connection to the grid, which could be utilised if power was generated on site. A wind and solar energy park could be combined with a range of other uses including eco tourism.

FoE launched a campaign calling for a state renewable energy target (VRET) in early 2014. In August 2015, the Andrews government committed to VRETs for 2020 and 2025 in its Renewable Energy Roadmap

We're getting close to a vote on the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) in state parliament. Now is the time to bring it home!

When it comes to renewable energy, community groups like Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) are out in front, setting their own ambitious target to hit 100% renewable energy by 2022.  With National Volunteer week finishing up last week, Y2R celebrates the work of volunteer led groups like TRY pushing the boundaries in the shift to renewable energy.

With the federal Coalition continuing to dither on the issue of gas driving up energy prices, it’s community energy groups like Positive Charge that are leading the way, helping locals access affordable renewable energy – right on their rooftops.

MEDIA RELEASE Friends of the Earth March 9, 2017

An assessment released this morning by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) warns that, without a swift response, Australia could face shortfalls in gas, and potentially in electricity from 2018.

Pro gas interests have seized on this as ‘proof’ that states need to lift moratoriums and open new areas to drilling.

However, this report underscores the need to transition rapidly to renewables, not entrench further gas production.

Environment group Friends of the Earth reject Matthew Guy Opposition's threat to cut the Victorian Renewable Energy Target, saying the Liberals ideological attack on affordable renewable energy will lead to power price rises.

“Matthew Guy's ideological opposition to the Victorian Renewable Energy Target is a threat to jobs, investment and affordable renewable energy,” said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth's renewable energy spokesperson.

The Andrews government has kicked off energy policy reforms to clear the path for community-owned renewable energy projects, such as wind farms, with the release of a discussion paper on community owned renewables to compliment the current Parliamentary Inquiry into Community Energy.

Environment group Friends of the Earth welcome the discussion paper and say communities, government and business must work together to smash Victoria’s Renewable Energy Targets.

Environment group Friends of the Earth and community renewables advocate Embark have welcomed the surprise announcement of a Victorian Parliament inquiry into community-owned renewable energy. 

"The Victorian Parliament's inquiry into community energy is very welcome and will allow all political parties to understand the benefits community-owned renewable energy," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth's renewable energy spokesperson.

ARARAT, 15 JUNE 2016: A renewable energy boom is on the horizon for Victoria as the Andrews government today announces state Renewable Energy Targets (VRET). The long-awaited announcement comes after a two-and-a-half year community campaign to grow renewables.

"The Andrews government's announcement of Victorian Renewable Energy Targets is a big win for communities who want a pathway to 100 percent," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth spokesperson.

Environment group Friends of the Earth have called on the Andrews government to set ambitious Victorian Renewable Energy Targets as the ACT government announces a ramped up target of 100 percent renewable by 2020.

"The ACT has secured its position as a national leader by lifting its Renewable Energy Target to 100 percent,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson.

“Its ambitious policy is creating jobs, attracting investment, and will help the territory tackle climate change."