Indigo Shire - renewable energy mapping - Indigo Shire Council

MAPPING AND BROKERING 

LOCAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS 

IN INDIGO 

Prepared by Earth Systems and Trees Victoria Inc. 

for Indigo Shire Council 

September 2012

LOCAL ENERGY SOLUTIONS IN 

INDIGO SHIRE: RENEWABLE 

ENERGY RESOURCE SURVEY 

Victoria, Australia 

Prepared for 

INDIGO SHIRE COUNCIL 

By 

SEPTEMBER 2012

Earth Systems 

Mapping and Brokering Local Energy Solutions in Indigo Shire 

DISTRIBUTION RECORD 

Copy No. Company / Position Name 

DOCUMENT REVISION LIST 

Revision 

Status/Number 

Revision Date Description of Revision Approved By 

RevDRAFT 2 nd July 2012 Draft for Initial Client Feedback Dr John Sanderson 

Rev0 7 th Sep 2012 Final Dr Adrian Morphett 

This report is not to be used for purposes other than those for which it was intended. Environmental 

conditions change with time. The information in this report is based on observations made during site 

visits and on the best publically available data at the time of writing. Where this report is to be made 

available, either in part or in its entirety, to a third party, Earth Systems reserves the right to review the 

information and documentation contained in the report and revisit and update findings, conclusions and 

recommendations. Earth Systems does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free from error and 

does not accept liability for any loss caused or arising from reliance upon information provided herein. 

ISC1240_Phase_1_Report_Rev0_public report 1

Earth Systems 


Executive Summary 

Indigo Shire has commissioned Earth Systems to provide a broad evaluation of Shire-wide renewable 

energy options to support the Shire’s electrical energy needs for the future. The study considers realistic 

resource options for a transition to locally-based energy generation for the equivalent electrical demands 

of 13,000 households out to 2050. This equates to an installed generation capacity of about 13 MW e . 

The study constitutes Phase 1 of a 2 part program funded through the Victorian Government’s 

Sustainability Accord Programme: 

Phase 1 - a survey of renewable energy resources in the region and development potential; 

Phase 2 - a detailed report evaluating the potential of bioenergy in the region specifically. 

This document reports the results of Phase 1 of the study, some findings from which will help to define 

the scope of Phase 2. 

The objective of Phase 1 was to evaluate in a desktop study the extent of the renewable energy 

resources within Indigo Shire, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass resources. 

Utilising information on the current state of the relevant technologies, geophysical and topographical data 

and other information resources relevant to the Shire, the likely cost and technical feasibility of renewable 

energy deployment in the Shire has been reviewed. 

Study Inputs 

Key inputs to the study were: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity grid infrastructure and capacity for embedded generation in and near to the Shire 

Major electricity consumers within or near to the Shire 

Land uses and exclusions which would affect where a new renewable energy project is located 

Shire-wide solar data 

Shire-wide wind data 

Geothermal resource review 

Hydropower resource review 

Waste biomass availability in and near to Shire 

Potential for energy cropping within Indigo Shire. 

Exclusions 

The study did not consider: 

 

 

 

Thermal-only energy requirements (although co-generation of electricity and heat has been 

discussed with regards to specific industrial sites) 

Transport energy (eg local fuel production) 

Energy efficiency measures. 

Resource Data Analysis 

The various renewable resources available to Indigo Shire were analysed in a variety of ways, depending 

on the type of renewable resource data available and the type of technology to utilise them. In the case 

of geothermal and hydropower resources, no detailed resource analysis or modelling was undertaken as 

these do not appear to be viable for large-scale generation within the Shire. Biomass resources were 


Earth Systems 


analysed based on aggregated data for current land use and available waste streams. Full details of the 

resource analyses and data interpretation for wind and solar are provided in the Appendices to this report. 

Financial Modelling 

As a first-pass assessment of the economics of various renewable generation types, the resource data 

(where applicable) was used as input to financial models based on currently available generation 

technology, to determine typical economic performance of a given renewable generator located in the 

Shire. Models for wind and solar generation were based on nameplate generation at scales of 1.5, 10 

and 20 megawatts, to correspond with current (1.5 and 10 MW e ) grid capabilities and a larger-scale plant 

possible assuming some future grid capacity increase (20 MW e ). Models for bioenergy were based on 

the scales relevant to current plausible cogeneration sites (Uncle Toby’s and Murray Goulburn), and a 

potential single generator equivalent to whole-of-Shire demand (13 MW e ). 

The specific economic performance for a given scenario was summarised in terms of a Levelised Cost of 

Energy (LCOE) expressed in dollars per megawatt hour ($/MWh e ), and an example payback period 

based on a grid-connected scenario with Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGC) has been provided. 

Note that the non-grid-connected (“islanded” or “behind the fence”) generation scenario was not explicitly 

modelled in this report as this is best considered on a specific case-by-case basis. However it is to be 

expected that where such an opportunity exists, the economic incentive will be much greater than for a 

grid-export arrangement. The LCOE calculated in this report can still be used as a basis for selecting 

projects and making investment decisions in either case. 

Key Findings: 

Key findings of this Phase 1 Study are as follows: 

Electricity Grid 

The grid in Indigo Shire is constrained, being fed from a number of out-of-Shire zone and terminal 

stations. This puts significant limits on the scale of generation which can be installed at any given 

location within the Shire. Discussions with network operator SP-Ausnet identified that generation into the 

grid at approximately the 1 MW e scale may be possible at the main load centres (regional towns and key 

industry), namely: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chiltern 

Beechworth 

Yackandandah 

Rutherglen 

Tangambalanga (Murray Goulburn Dairy Co-op) 

Wahgunyah (Uncle Toby’s) 

Grid connection of less than 1.5 MW e has less connection infrastructure requirements, (inter-trips are not 

mandatory), and may represent a possible “sweet spot” for generator size. 

Larger-scale generation (approximately 10 MW e scale) may be possible at several locations just outside 

of the Shire, namely: 

 

 

 

Barnawartha (Logic Centre) 

Wodonga (near sub-station) 

Myrtleford (Carter Holt Harvey) 

Network constraints at the Wangaratta and Myrtleford substations may be remediated by locating new 

generators along these respective network loops, namely: 


Earth Systems 

Wahgunyah (on the Wangaratta line) 

Rutherglen (on the Wangaratta line) 

Myrtleford 


In certain circumstances, a proposed generator at these locations could negotiate better financial 

arrangements with the network operator if network upgrades can be postponed or avoided. 

Land Use 

An analysis of the location of national and regional parks, areas of cultural significance and mountainous 

areas unsuitable for development was undertaken. In general, the North West parts of the Shire would 

be more favourable for project development than the South East. The North West regions of the Shire 

are also closer to the major load centres. 

Renewable Energy – Key Outcomes In Brief 

Solar: The technology exists, the resource is good enough, and opportunities exist for grid connection in 

the North West. The economics are not compelling at present, but a combination of factors may alter the 

economic equation in the short to medium term. The Shire should carefully watch the space and develop 

a strategy to capitalise on the opportunity for large-scale solar when the economics improve. In the 

meantime, generation of less than 100 kW e in Victoria is currently eligible for a recently reduced rate of 8 

c/kWh feed-in-tariff. (Indigo Shire may consider facilitating the installation of a number of 99.9 kW e solar 

PV systems on suitable roof areas as an immediate form of local generation.) 

Wind: Overall, the resource is marginal, but specific low-speed turbines may be able to capitalise on it. 

The economics are expected to be very sensitive to actual wind velocity at these low speeds. Payback 

periods are, however, better than solar due to lower capital equipment cost and better capacity factor. 

Wind data available may not accurately characterise particularly localised, higher-than-average wind 

velocity resources peculiar to specific land topography within the Shire, and local knowledge should be 

evaluated. The Shire should also consider engagement opportunities with other regions in which wind 

resources are more significant. 

Biomass: At present, about 3.4 MW e of generation is possible from the recovery of absolutely all 

available waste biomass in the entire Shire (including agricultural wastes). Energy crops, waste from 

forest fuel reduction, and/or a significant import of biomass from outside the Shire would be needed to 

provide a significant bioenergy contribution. Significant (but currently fully utilised) plantation waste 

resources exist just beyond Shire boundaries, equating to a maximum power generation of about 8.3 

MW e . To generate the whole-of-Shire target of 13 MW e , an area of approximately 16,100 Ha would be 

required under a solid block of short rotation coppice cropping (SCC) scheme. Under an inter-cropping 

SCC scenario this would become 132,000 ha. Depending on the scenarios, bioenergy plant economic 

modelling at the small, medium and large generating capacity had LCOEs of 185, 118 and 110 $/MWh e 

including electricity and thermal heat sales. Possible co-generation opportunities exist at a number of 

sites within the region, including Uncle Toby’s and Murray Goulburn, provided their existing waste 

resources could be augmented by additional biomass. These and several other sites are to be addressed 

in further detail in Phase 2 of the project. 

Geothermal: No significant geothermal resource is indicated in Indigo Shire. The existing data is limited, 

so the finding should be re-visited in the event that a new dataset for the region is developed. 

Hydropower: Large-scale hydro in and near to the Shire appears to have been fully exploited. Some 

small-scale (e.g. < 1 MW e ) resources exist in the Shire, however they are mostly associated with areas of 

cultural significance. There may be justification for individual small-scale projects, but these lie outside 

the scope of this Study. 


Earth Systems 

Suggested Priorities for Decision Making 


Reviewing the variety of resource potentials, generation costs and grid constraints presented in the 

preceding sections, it is possible to make some general observations on how a total generation output of 

13 MW e may be accomplished within the Indigo Shire region. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is little economy of scale benefit in going larger within the range of generation considered, 

other than for bioenergy plant. Therefore, generation scale is likely to be dictated by network 

capacity (i.e. largest generator that can be connected without major network infrastructure costs). 

There are significant economic benefits in generation resulting in avoided retail power purchase. 

There are significant economic benefits in co-generation (possibly even tri-generation) at a given 

site. 

There may be additional incentives for installing site generation if it avoids the need for the 

network operator to undertake other infrastructure upgrades. 

Although the resource is marginal, the LCOE of wind means it is an attractive option.. 

Where substantial cooling loads are present, there may be additional economic benefit in 

generating power from solar resources. 

If the majority of the biomass is to be purpose-grown (energy crops), the same basic generation 

equipment type can be used at all sites; and it may be advantageous to use a similar plant size 

and/or supplier to achieve capital cost reductions (multiple units purchase via consortium). 

Recommendations and Next Steps 

Overall recommendations from the Phase 1 Study are as follows. 

Solar 

Wind 

1. Maintain a watching brief on current technology costs, which are reducing rapidly. 

2. Consider any immediate opportunities for solar PV generation of less than 100 kW e , which in 

Victoria are currently eligible for a feed-in tariff (FIT) of 8 c/kWh (which for solar PV may not be 

commercially viable). 

3. Consider large-scale solar at specific sites where peak generation may be able to off-set large 

peaking cooling loads (large refrigeration loads such as refrigerated distribution centre, large 

winery or dairy). 

1. Consider whether local information can identify any specific locations that would yield a better 

resource (than currently mapped). 

2. The Shire should also consider engagement opportunities with other regions in which wind 


3. Keep a watching brief on low-speed turbine developments. 

Geothermal 

1. Re-consider only if new geothermal data becomes available. 

Hydropower 

1. Consider limited possibilities for small-scale hydropower generation (

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2. Clarify availability and price of glycerol from Australian Biodiesel Producers (Barnawartha). If 

favourable, investigate possibility of biodigester cogeneration plant at Uncle Toby’s (Wahgunyah), 

Rivalea (Corowa), or Murray Goulburn (Tangambalanga). 

3. Contact plantation operators to further investigate nearby out-of-Shire plantation waste resources 

including typical transport routes, likely future availability and prices. 

4. Evaluate possible short rotation cropping systems suited to the Shire soil and climate, and 

evaluate practical extent suitable for integration with existing farming practices. 

5. Contact large industries in and around Shire as specified in Table 8-12 to confirm cogeneration 

and/or tri-generation opportunities. 

6. Prioritise detailed site co/tri-generation investigation(s) based on the individual site specifics. 

In Conclusion - A Possible Generation Mix 

The following table summarises a possible generation mix, taking into account the suggested generation 

mix priorities, network characteristics, major consumers, LCOE, possible cogeneration sites and sites 

with peak cooling loads. The table is not prescriptive, and is intended only to suggest a potential shortlist 

of generation possibilities from which a total of 13 MW e could be selected. The list would be subject to 

much refinement upon obtaining further detailed information from a number of the industrial sites, which 

will be considered in detail during Phase 2. (Although some attempt has been made to list the generation 

options in order of merit, this is likely to be arbitrary, pending further site specific technical and economic 

details to be obtained in Phase 2.) 

Table – Possible inclusions in a future renewable generation mix for Indigo Shire 

Resource 

Type 

Quality 

available 

in Indigo 

Suggested 

Location(s) 

Approx. 

LCOE 

($/MWh e ) 

Suggested 

Capacity* 

(MW e ) 

Comments 

Biomass 

Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Carter Holt 

Harvey 

Myrtleford 

118 6 

(6) 

 

 

 

Retail off-set 

incentive; 

Co-gen Incentive; 

Network benefits 

Biomass 

Site waste 

+ Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Murray Goulburn 

Tangambalanga 

118 6 

(6) 

 

 


incentive; 

Co/Tri-gen incentive; 

Biomass 

Site waste 

+ Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Uncle Toby’s 

Wahgunyah 

185 2 

(2) 

 

 

 


incentive; 

Co-gen incentive; 


Biomass 

Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Logic Centre 

Barnawartha 

118 6 

(6) 

 

 


incentive; 

Co/Tri-gen Incentive 

Wind Marginal Various, eg 

Chiltern, 

Beechworth, 

Yackandandah 

Wodonga 

124 4.5 

(1.5) 

 

 

LCOE very sensitive 

to actual wind velocity 

Seek best possible 

resource(s) at 

available grid 


Earth Systems 


Resource 

Type 

Quality 

available 


Suggested 

Location(s) 

Approx. 

LCOE 

($/MWh e ) 

Suggested 

Capacity* 

(MW e ) 

Comments 

connection locales 

Solar PV Good Rutherglen 204 1.5 

(0.3) 

 

 


May complement 

large refrigeration 

loads (winery) 

Solar CST Good Logic Centre 

Barnawartha 

298 20 

(5.4) 

 

Possible 

biomass/CST hybrid 

would reduce LCOE 

 



loads (distribution 

centre) 

*Rated Capacity (Average actual generated power taking into account capacity factor) 


Earth Systems 

Contents 


Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... 2 

1 Background, Objectives and Scope .................................................................. 21 

1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................... 21 

1.2 Objectives and Scope ........................................................................................................... 21 

1.2.1 Exclusions .............................................................................................................................................. 21 

2 Shire Electric Grid Infrastructure ....................................................................... 22 

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 22 

2.1.1 Electricity Generation in Victoria ..................................................................................................... 22 

2.2 State of the Network ............................................................................................................. 22 

2.2.1 Network ................................................................................................................................................... 22 

2.2.2 Current and Forecast Grid Loads ................................................................................................... 24 

2.3 Legislative and Regulatory Requirements ......................................................................... 25 

2.3.1 Administrative Organisation ............................................................................................................. 25 

2.3.2 Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Generation ..................................................................................... 25 

2.4 Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 26 

2.4.1 Grid Connected vs. Islanded Generation .................................................................................... 26 

2.4.2 Potential Opportunities ...................................................................................................................... 26 

2.4.3 Barriers to Implementation ............................................................................................................... 28 

2.5 Conclusions and Recommendations .................................................................................. 29 

3 Major Regional Electricity Consumers .............................................................. 30 

3.1 Current and Forecast Demand ............................................................................................ 30 

3.1.1 Residential ............................................................................................................................................. 30 

3.1.2 Commercial and Institutional ........................................................................................................... 31 

3.1.3 Industrial ................................................................................................................................................. 31 

4 Land Analysis ...................................................................................................... 33 

4.1 Geographical Features ......................................................................................................... 33 

4.2 Farming Zone in Indigo Shire .............................................................................................. 34 

4.3 Areas of Cultural Significance ............................................................................................. 35 

5 Modelling Methodology ...................................................................................... 38 

5.1 Energy Generation Modelling .............................................................................................. 38 

5.1.1 Electricity Pricing ................................................................................................................................. 38 

5.1.2 Network Charges ................................................................................................................................. 39 

5.1.3 Transmission Costs ............................................................................................................................ 39 

5.1.4 Selected Capacities ............................................................................................................................ 39 

5.2 Simple Economic Modelling ................................................................................................ 39 

5.2.1 Levelised Cost of Energy .................................................................................................................. 40 

6 Solar Power ......................................................................................................... 42 


Earth Systems 


6.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................ 42 

6.2 Solar Energy Technology ..................................................................................................... 45 

6.2.1 Solar Photovoltaic Systems ............................................................................................................. 45 

6.2.2 Concentrating Solar Thermal ........................................................................................................... 50 

6.2.3 Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) ................................................................................................. 55 

6.2.4 Environmental Impact ........................................................................................................................ 57 

6.3 Solar Resources in Indigo .................................................................................................... 58 

6.3.1 Solar Resource Characterisation Methodology ......................................................................... 62 

6.3.2 Model Parameters ............................................................................................................................... 63 

6.3.3 Modelling Results ................................................................................................................................ 64 


7 Wind Power .......................................................................................................... 72 

7.1 Wind Technology Review ..................................................................................................... 72 

7.1.1 Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) ......................................................................................... 74 

7.1.2 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)............................................................................................... 75 

7.1.3 Technology costs and economics .................................................................................................. 76 

7.1.4 Environmental Impact ........................................................................................................................ 77 

7.2 Wind Resources in Indigo .................................................................................................... 77 

7.3 Wind Opportunities in Indigo ............................................................................................... 81 

7.3.1 Wind Resource Characterisation Methodology ......................................................................... 81 

7.3.2 Modelling Results ................................................................................................................................ 82 


8 Bioenergy............................................................................................................. 89 

8.1 Bioenergy Introduction ........................................................................................................ 90 

8.1.1 What is Biomass .................................................................................................................................. 90 

8.1.2 What is Bioenergy? ............................................................................................................................. 90 

8.1.3 Bioenergy Status: Global, Australia and Victoria ..................................................................... 92 

8.2 Bioenergy Technology ......................................................................................................... 96 

8.2.1 Gasification ............................................................................................................................................ 97 

8.2.2 Combustion ........................................................................................................................................... 99 

8.2.3 Pyrolysis ............................................................................................................................................... 103 

8.2.4 Anaerobic Digestion ......................................................................................................................... 104 

8.3 Comparative Technology Costs and Maturity ................................................................. 104 

8.4 Biomass Resources in Indigo Shire.................................................................................. 107 

8.4.1 Current Land Use and Production ............................................................................................... 107 

8.4.2 Waste Biomass Resources in Indigo Shire ............................................................................... 109 

8.4.3 Hancock Victorian Plantations (HVP) ......................................................................................... 110 

8.4.4 Residential Organics Greenwaste Collection and Transfer Station .................................. 111 

8.4.5 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)....................................................................................................... 112 

8.4.6 Waste biomass resource – energy and electricity generation potential .......................... 112 


Earth Systems 


8.5 Bioenergy Cropping Opportunities ................................................................................... 114 

8.5.1 Short-rotation coppice cropping (SCC) and inter-cropping bioenergy ............................. 115 

8.6 High Energy Demand Users ............................................................................................... 120 

8.6.1 Murray Goulburn Kiewa (Tangambalanga) ............................................................................... 123 

8.6.2 Uncle Toby’s (Wahgunyah) ............................................................................................................ 123 

8.7 Bioenergy Modelling Targets ............................................................................................. 124 

8.8 Conclusions and Recommendations ................................................................................ 130 

9 Geothermal Energy ........................................................................................... 132 

9.1 Geothermal Technology Review ....................................................................................... 132 

9.1.1 Technology Costs and Economics .............................................................................................. 133 

9.1.2 Environmental Impact ...................................................................................................................... 133 

9.2 Geothermal Resources in Indigo....................................................................................... 134 

9.3 Geothermal Opportunities in Indigo ................................................................................. 135 

10 Hydropower ....................................................................................................... 136 

10.1 Hydropower Technology .................................................................................................... 136 

10.1.1 Technology Costs and Economics ............................................................................................ 137 

10.1.2 Environmental Impact .................................................................................................................... 138 

10.2 Hydropower Resources in Victoria ................................................................................... 138 

10.3 Hydropower Opportunities in Indigo ................................................................................ 139 

11 Conclusions ....................................................................................................... 141 

12 Recommendations ............................................................................................ 144 

13 References ......................................................................................................... 146 

Appendices 

Appendix A: 

Appendix B: 

Appendix C: 

Appendix D: 

Appendix E: 

Electricity Demand – target setting for Indigo Shire 

Solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar thermal (CST) – Technology review, 

detailed meteorological GIS mapping, detailed costings and references 

Wind– Technology review, detailed costings and references 

Biomass – Detailed costings and references 

Errata – reviewers comments 


Earth Systems 


Figures 

Figure 2.1: Representation of the Electricity Delivery Model [6] .......................................................... 23 

Figure 2.2: High Voltage Shared Electricity Network in Victoria [] ...................................................... 23 

Figure 2.3: SP Ausnet supply areas and terminal and zone substations in Indigo Shire area [6] .... 24 

Figure 2.4: Location of Wodonga Logic Centre with respect to other Indigo load centres .............. 27 

Figure 2.5: Connection Process for Medium-scale Distributed Generation [2] .................................. 28 

Figure 3.1: Population map of Indigo Shire ............................................................................................ 31 

Figure 3.2: Location of major towns and major industrial energy consumers (~1 MW e shown in 

white (including towns), ~10 MW e shown in red) ......................................................... 32 

Figure 4.1: Map of Park and Forest Areas in Indigo Shire .................................................................... 33 

Figure 4.2: Mountainous areas in Indigo Shire ...................................................................................... 34 

Figure 4.3: Farming zone in Indigo Shire ................................................................................................ 35 

Figure 4.4: Map of Areas of Cultural Significance in Indigo Shire ....................................................... 36 

Figure 4.5: Land constraint areas from combined sources in Indigo Shire ........................................ 37 

Figure 5.1: Levelised Cost of Energy [14] ............................................................................................... 40 

Figure 6.1: Worldwide annual global solar exposure in kWh/m 2 []....................................................... 42 

Figure 6.2: Annual average daily global solar exposure ....................................................................... 43 

Figure 6.3: Annual average daily direct normal solar exposure........................................................... 43 

Figure 6.4: Rutherglen Daily Global Solar Exposure by Month and Annual Average [] .................... 44 

Figure 6.5: Solar operating plants with capacity of more than 30 kW e [] ............................................ 45 

Figure 6.6: Martifer Solar PV array (left) []; Schematic of PV Solar generation system (right) []...... 45 

Figure 6.7: Installed capacity of Solar PV internationally and in Australia [26,]................................. 46 

Figure 6.8: Solar PV large scale installations in Australia [52] ............................................................ 47 

Figure 6.9: Australian PV module prices in current AUD [] .................................................................. 48 

Figure 6.10: PV System Capital Cost [] ................................................................................................... 48 

Figure 6.11: PV Levelised cost of energy [43] ........................................................................................ 49 

Figure 6.12: Balance of System Cost and Levelised Cost of Energy forecast [41]. .......................... 49 

Figure 6.13: Schematic of Typical Concentrating Solar Plant []........................................................... 50 

Figure 6.14: Australia Concentrating Solar Thermal plants [] .............................................................. 51 

Figure 6.15 World Installed Concentrating Solar Thermal [] ................................................................. 52 

Figure 6.16: Estimated LCOE dependence on system size (normalised to a 100 MWe system with 5 

hours’ storage) [50] ......................................................................................................... 52 

Figure 6.17 Estimated CSP cost / LCOE reductions (Reproduced from AT Kearney, 2010) [50] ...... 55 


Earth Systems 


Figure 6.18: Concentrating PV Dishes (top); Power Tower in Bridgwater VIC (bottom left); 

Concentrating PV System (bottom right) [,,] ................................................................. 56 

Figure 6.19: Solar energy components and concentrating system [,] ................................................. 59 

Figure 6.20: Annual average daily global exposure in Indigo Shire .................................................... 59 

Figure 6.21: January average daily global exposure in Indigo Shire (max. condition) ...................... 60 

Figure 6.22: June average daily global exposure in Indigo Shire (min. condition) ............................ 60 

Figure 6.23: Annual average daily direct normal solar exposure in Indigo Shire .............................. 61 

Figure 6.24: January average daily direct normal solar exposure in Indigo Shire (max. condition) 62 

Figure 6.25: June average daily direct normal solar exposure in Indigo Shire (min. condition) ...... 62 

Figure 6.26: Proposed areas for solar PV plants (representative areas for scale purposes only, not 

actual geographical location) ......................................................................................... 66 

Figure 6.27: Proposed areas for 20 MW e CST plant (representative areas for scale purposes only, 

not actual geographical location) .................................................................................. 66 

Figure 7.1: Total cumulative installed global wind capacity in MW e [70] ............................................ 72 

Figure 7.2: Installed wind capacity by state [70] .................................................................................... 73 

Figure 7.3: Wind large scale installations in Australia [52] ................................................................... 73 

Figure 7.4: Wind generators in Victoria (as of August 2011) [71]......................................................... 74 

Figure 7.5: Components making up a typical horizontal axis wind turbine [] .................................... 75 

Figure 7.6: Vertical Axis Wind Turbines: (a) Darrieus [73] and (b) Savonius wind turbines [] .......... 76 

Figure 7.7: Wind power cost projections based on various studies [14] ............................................ 77 

Figure 7.8: Victorian wind atlas (wind speed at 65 m) [84] ................................................................... 79 

Figure 7.9: Victorian wind map produced by Sustainability Victoria (65 m elevation) [84] ............... 79 

Figure 7.10: Indigo Shire wind speed map from the Wind Atlas produced by Sustainability Victoria 

(wind speed at 65 m elevation) [84] ............................................................................... 80 

Figure 7.11: Proposed areas for wind farms (representative areas for scale purposes only, not 

actual geographical location) ......................................................................................... 85 

Table 8.1: Summary of LCA bioenergy scenarios vs current practice fossil fuel scenario from IEA 

Task 38 [102] .................................................................................................................... 91 

Figure 8.2: Shares of energy sources in total global primary energy supply in 2008 (492 EJ) [] ..... 92 

Figure 8.3: Shares of global primary biomass sources for energy in 2008 (50.3EJ) [103] ................ 92 

Figure 8.4: Share of primary energy sources in world electricity generation in 2008 [103] .............. 93 

Figure 8.5: Proportions of Energy Generated from Biomass for Selected Nations [100] .................. 93 

Figure 8.6: Bioenergy electricity generation total for Australia [104] .................................................. 94 

Figure 8.7: Bioenergy electricity generation by state in Australia [] ................................................... 95 

Figure 8.8: bioenergy generators in Victoria []....................................................................................... 96 

Figure 8.9: Typical scales of various thermochemical conversion technologies [99] ....................... 97 

Figure 8.10: Schematic representation of a gasification process (adapted from []) ......................... 98 

Figure 8.11: Simple steam Rankine cycle (adapted from []) ............................................................... 100 


Earth Systems 


Figure 8.12: An ORC trigeneration process with wood as feedstock (adapted from []) .................. 101 

Figure 8.13: Simple Kalina cycle ............................................................................................................ 102 

Figure 8.14: the production of the solid fraction biochar from a slow pyrolysis process can result 

in a net removal of carbon from the atmosphere [] .................................................... 104 

Figure 8.15: Range in recent LCOE for commercially available renewable energy technologies in 

comparison to recent non-renewable energy costs. Technology subcategories and 

discount rates were aggregated [103] ......................................................................... 105 

Figure 8.16: Typical recent bioenergy LCOE at a 7% discount rate, calculated over a year of 

feedstock costs, which differ between technologies. These costs do not include 

interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization [103] .................................................. 105 

Figure 8.17: Technology maturity states of bioenergy: thermochemical (orange), and biochemical 

(blue), and for heat and power [103] ............................................................................ 106 

Figure 8.18: Biomass power generation technology maturity status [] ............................................ 107 

Figure 8.19: Tree density layers. Note: the area of the scattered tree layer within the Indigo Shire 

boundary is 17,300 ha. .................................................................................................. 109 

Figure 8.20: Proposed layout of Mallee plantation on farmland......................................................... 115 

Figure 8.21: Energy cropping representative areas for scale purposes only at 2.5, 6 and 13 MW e 

requirements for solid short cycle cropping scenario .............................................. 116 

Figure 8.22: Energy inter-cropping representative areas for scale purposes only at 2.5 MWe 

requirements for short-rotation coppice cropping scenario .................................... 118 

Figure 8.23: Energy inter-cropping representative areas for scale purposes only at 6 MWe 


Figure 8.24: Energy inter-cropping representative areas for scale purposes only at 13 MWe 


Figure 8.25: sites of interest – potential biomass resource (green) or energy demand user (red), or 

both ................................................................................................................................. 121 

Figure 8.26: The Murray Goulburn retail milk and cream cheese processing facility located at 19 

Kiewa East Road, Tangambalanga, Victoria, 3691 ..................................................... 123 

Figure 8.27: The Uncle Toby’s breakfast cereals and foods processing facility located at 13 Talbot 

Rd Wahgunyah, VIC, 3687 ............................................................................................. 124 

Figure 9.1: Geothermal temperature at 1500 m [85] ............................................................................ 135 

Figure 10.1: Hydroelectric power generation [] .................................................................................... 136 

Figure 10.2: Hydro generators in Victoria [143] ................................................................................... 139 

Figure 10.3: Hydro Potential in Victoria and Indigo Shire ................................................................... 140 


Earth Systems 

Tables 


Table 2-1: Current and Forecast loads at relevant zone substations to 2015 [11] ............................. 24 

Table 2-2: Sub-transmission loop loads [7] ............................................................................................ 24 

Table 3-1: Estimated yearly energy consumption for Uncle Toby’s in Wahgunyah and Murray 

Goulburn Kiewa in Tangambalanga............................................................................... 32 

Table 5-1: Data and assumptions used for financial modelling ........................................................... 40 

Table 6-1: Example of commercial-scale CST plants in the world [50] ............................................... 53 

Table 6-2: Greenhouse Gas analysis of solar PV ................................................................................... 57 

Table 6-3: Greenhouse Gas analysis of CST .......................................................................................... 57 

Table 6-4: Solar System Modelling Parameters ..................................................................................... 63 

Table 6-5: Solar PV energy generation modelling results ..................................................................... 64 

Table 6-6: CST energy generation modelling results ............................................................................ 65 

Table 6-7: Data and results of key financial parameters (all in 2012 AU$) of solar PV 1.5 MW e ....... 67 

Table 6-8: Data and results of key financial parameters (all in 2012 AU$) of solar PV 10 MW e ........ 67 

Table 6-9: Data and results of key financial parameters (all in 2012 AU$) of solar PV 20 MW e ........ 68 

Table 6-10: Data and results of key financial parameters (all in 2012 AU$) of CST 20 MW e ............. 69 

Table 7-1: GHG analysis of wind farm ..................................................................................................... 77 

Table 7-2: Energy generation potential in Indigo Shire and surrounding area at 120 m elevation 

[86,87,88] ........................................................................................................................... 82 

Table 7-3: Energy demand data and required energy generation results ........................................... 83 

Table 7-4: Key Financial Data and Results for wind farm at 1.5 MW e .................................................. 85 

Table 7-5: Key Financial Data and Results for wind farm at 10 MW e ................................................... 86 

Table 7-6: Key Financial Data and Results for wind farm at 20 MW e ................................................... 86 

Table 8-1: Fuel requirements versus gasifier design ............................................................................ 98 

Table 8-2: Technical data of Lienz I and Lienz II .................................................................................. 102 

Table 8-3: Major uses of land ................................................................................................................. 107 

Table 8-4: Agriculture production by crop type ................................................................................... 107 

Table 8-5: Animal numbers and farms .................................................................................................. 108 

Table 8-6: Biomass waste resources for Indigo Shire from 2011 biomass survey .......................... 109 

Table 8-7: Residential organic curb side collection and transfer stations ........................................ 111 

Table 8-8: estimated thermal bioenergy electricity generation potential from waste biomass 

resources within Indigo Shire ...................................................................................... 112 

Table 8-9: estimated biological bioenergy electricity generation potential from biomass resources 

within Indigo Shire ......................................................................................................... 113 

Table 8-10: estimated bioenergy electricity generation potential from HVP chipped plantation 

residue and other saw mill waste from outside the Shire ......................................... 113 


Earth Systems 


Table 8-11: Short-rotation coppice cropping (SCC) scenario land area required for 2.5, 6.0 and 13.0 

MW e in a solid block, and via inter-cropping within Indigo Shire ............................. 116 

Table 8-12: summary of energy demand sites within and outside Indigo Shire ............................... 120 

Table 8-13: summary of energy demand sites contacted and data collection progress. ................ 121 

Table 8-14: Estimate of electricity and thermal requirements for Murray Goulburn Kiewa - 

Tangambalanga .............................................................................................................. 123 

Table 8-15: Estimate of electricity and thermal requirements for Uncle Toby’s Wahgunyah ......... 124 

Table 8-16: Bioenergy modelling targets – electrical and thermal ..................................................... 124 

Table 8-17: Cost and thermal heat price data for biomass to energy technologies ........................ 125 

Table 8-18: Estimated Bioenergy Crop Harvesting Costs [122] ......................................................... 126 

Table 8-19: Cost data for biomass production and transportation [] ................................................ 126 

Table 8-20: Key financial results for gasifier and gas engine at 2.5 MW e ......................................... 127 

Table 8-21: Key financial results for gasifier and gas engine at 6.0 MW e ......................................... 129 

Table 8-22: Key financial results for gasifier and gas engine at 13 MW e .......................................... 130 

Table 9-1: Geothermal Power Summary ............................................................................................... 134 

Table 10-1: Typical Data and Figures for Hydropower Technology ................................................... 137 


Earth Systems 

Acronyms 


ACCC 

AEMO 

AEMC 

AER 

BOM 

BWA 

Capex 

CEF 

CF 

CLFR 

CPM 

CPV 

CSP 

CST 

db 

DCF 

DG 

DNI 

DNSP 

EEO 

EHV 

EPRI 

EWEA 

FIT 

GHG 

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission 

Australian Energy Market Operator 

Australian Energy Market Commission 

Australian Energy Regulator 

Bureau of Meteorology 

Barnawartha (Substation) 

Capital Expenditures 

Clean Energy Future 

Capacity Factor 

Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector 

Carbon Pricing Mechanism 

Concentrating photovoltaic 

Concentrating Solar Power 

Concentrating Solar Thermal 

Dry basis 

Discounted Cash Flow 

Distributed Generation 

Direct Normal Irradiance 

Distribution Network Source Provider 

Energy Efficiency Opportunities 

Extra High Voltage 

Electric Power Research Institute 

European Wind Energy Association 

Feed-in Tariff 

Greenhouse Gas 


Earth Systems 

GHI 

GWEC 

ha 

HAWT 

HFR 

HAS 

IEA 

IEC 

IPCC 

IRR 

km/h 

kV 

kVA 

kW 

kW e 

kWh 

kWh th 


Global Horizontal Irradiance 

Global Wind Energy Council 

Hectare 

Horizontal axis wind turbine 

Hot Fractured Rocks 

Hot Sedimentary Aquifers 

International Energy Agency 

International Electrotechnical Commission 

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

Internal Rate of Return 

Kilometre per hour 

KiloVolt 

Kilo Volt Amp 

KiloWatts 

KiloWatts electrical 

KilloWatt Hour 

KiloWatt hour thermal 

kWh tot 

KiloWatt hour total (electrical and thermal) 

kW th 

KiloWatts thermal 

kW tot 

KiloWatts total (electric and thermal) 

LCA 

LCOE 

LGC 

M 

MBTS 

MGK 

m/s 

Lifecycle Assessment 

Levelised Cost of Energy 

Large-scale Generation Certificates 

Metre 

Mount Beauty Terminal Substation 

Murray Goulburn Kiewa 

Metre per second 


Earth Systems 


MW 

MW e 

MWh 

MWh e 

MWh th 

MegaWatts 

MegaWatts electrical 

MegaWatt hour 

MegaWatt hour electrical 

MegaWatt hour thermal 

MWh tot 

MegaWatt hour total (electrical and thermal) 

MW th 

MegaWatts thermal 

MW tot 

MegaWatts total (electric and thermal) 

MYT 

NASA 

NEM 

NER 

NGER 

NPV 

NREL 

Opex 

ORC 

PV 

RECs 

RET 

tCO 2 

tCO 2 e 

UCW 

VAWT 

wb 

WEC 

WN 

Myrtleford (Substation) 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (United States) 

National Electricity Market 

National Electricity Rules 

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting 

Net Present Value 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

Operational Expenditures 

Organic Rankine Cycle 

Photovoltaic 

Renewable Energy Certificates 

Renewable Energy Target 

Tonne carbon dioxide 

Tonne carbon dioxide equivalent 

Uncle Toby’s Wahgunyah 

Vertical axis wind turbine 

Wet basis 

Wind Energy Conversion 

Wangaratta (Substation) 


Earth Systems 


WO 

WOTS 

ZSS 

Wodonga (Substation) 

Wodonga Terminal Substation 

Zone Substation 

Glossary of Terms 

Availability Factor 

Capacity Factor 

Direct solar exposure or 

DNI (Direct Normal 

Irradiance) 

Distributed Generation 

Efficiency 

Global solar exposure or 

GHI (Global Horizontal 

Irradiance) 

Hub height 

Internal Rate of Return 

Land use factor 

Levelised Cost of Energy 

Availability factor indicates how much of the time the plant is available to 

meet demand. 

The net capacity factor of a power plant is the ratio of the actual output 

of a power plant over a period of time and its potential output if it had 

operated at full nameplate capacity the entire time. 

Solar direct normal irradiance (DNI) is the instantaneous intensity of 

solar direct beam energy falling on a surface normal to the beam. 

Distributed generation involves the technology of using small-scale 

power generation technologies located in close proximity to the load 

being served. 

A ratio of yielded output per unit input for a specific process, normally 

expressed as a percentage. 

GHI is the instantaneous intensity of solar energy falling on a horizontal 

surface. The values are usually highest in the middle of the day and 

around summer, with localised variations caused mainly by variations in 

atmospheric conditions, primarily cloudiness. 

Specific to wind energy, it is the distance from the turbine platform to the 

rotor of an installed wind turbine and indicates how high the turbine 

stands above the ground, not including the length of the turbine blades 

The discount rate often used in capital budgeting that makes the net 

present value of all cash flows from a particular project equal to zero 

The land use factor is the ratio between the directly utilised ground area 

of a technology deployment and the total land area required for 

deployment, including necessary redundant land area, such as that 

required between solar thermal mirrors to avoid shading issues. 

A present value measure of the lifecycle cost of generating power from a 

given plant considering the capital cost, operating costs (including fuel), 

capacity factor, financing cost, and incentives. The Levelised Cost is a 

useful calculation because it allows comparison of different generation 

technologies on an equal basis. 


Earth Systems 

Merit Order 

Nameplate capacity 

Net Present Value (NPV) 


The merit order is a way of ranking available sources of energy, 

especially electrical generation, in ascending order of their short-run 

marginal costs of production, so that those with the lowest marginal 

costs are the first ones to be brought online to meet demand, and the 

plants with the highest marginal costs are the last to be brought on line. 

The intended technical full–load sustained output of a facility such as a 

power plant, a chemical plant, fuel plant, metal refinery, mine, and many 

others. 

NPV compares the value of a dollar today to the value of that same 

dollar in the future, taking inflation and returns into account. 


Earth Systems 


1 Background, Objectives and Scope 

1.1 Background 

In 2011 Indigo Shire commissioned a study into producing low carbon electricity and heating, as part of 

the aims of the Shire’s Environmental Advisory Committee [1]. The study quantified the Shire’s electricity 

usage and identified numerous potential renewable energy resources. Funding for this subsequent work 

was secured through the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Accord Programme. This study was 

conceived in two phases: Phase 1, a survey of renewable energy resources in the region and 

development potential; and Phase 2, a detailed report evaluating the potential of bioenergy in the region 

specifically. This document reports the results of Phase 1 of the study. 

1.2 Objectives and Scope 

The objective of Phase 1 was to evaluate in a desktop study the extent of the renewable energy 

resources within Indigo Shire, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydrothermal and biomass resources. 

Utilising information on the current state of the relevant technologies, geophysical and topographical data 

and other information resources relevant to the Shire, the likely cost and technical feasibility of renewable 

energy deployment in the Shire has been reviewed. 

For the purposes of this preliminary economic and technical investigation, a renewable energy 

deployment with a combined generating capacity to provide for 13,000 households has been modelled. 

This represents the anticipated total Shire electricity consumption in 2050. A suggested renewable energy 

generation mix based on available and potentially available is presented to achieve the generating 

capacity of 13,000 households in 2050 (an estimated 13 MW e of average generation capacity that will 

generate approximately 110 GWh e per annum). Presently, there are 6,000 households and electricity 

consumption of this sector was taken as the current base case. 

Some external sites outside of Indigo Shire were reviewed for strategic energy purposes. These included 

the Myrtleford sub-station, Carter Holt Harvey site in Myrtleford, several other local zone substations, and 

the Wodonga Logic Centre near Barnawartha due to grid capacity opportunities at those locations. 

Hancock Victorian Plantations operations near the Shire boarder were investigated due to potential 

biomass resource utilisation. Some other biomass resources near the Shire border, or transiting through 

the Shire, were reviewed briefly for energy opportunity assessment. Some larger energy users were also 

briefly reviewed for co-generation potential opportunities. 

1.2.1 Exclusions 

Thermal and transport energy have not been considered explicitly in the analysis, however the potential 

for co-generation of electricity and heat has been discussed where achievable. Industrial and commercial 

electricity demand was also not included in the renewable energy target for displacement with renewable 

energy. 

Energy efficiency will play a major role in reducing the current energy demand of end users in Indigo 

Shire as energy efficiency is usually the simplest and most cost effective energy and greenhouse 

abatement strategy, however, energy efficiency was not included in this assessment as this is a demand 

side opportunity rather than generation. 


Earth Systems 


11 Conclusions 



110 GWh e / 13 MW e may be accomplished within the Indigo Shire region. 

Electricity Grid 

The grid in Indigo Shire is constrained, being fed from a number of out-of-Shire zone and terminal 

stations. Generation into the grid at approximately the 1 MW e scale may be possible at the main load 

centres (regional towns and key industry), namely: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chiltern 

Beechworth 

Yackandandah 

Rutherglen 

Tangambalanga (Murray Goulburn Dairy Co-op) 

Wahgunyah (Uncle Toby’s) 

Grid connection of less than 1.5 MW e has less connection infrastructure requirements, (inter-trips are not 

mandatory), and may represent a possible “sweet spot” for generator size. 

Larger-scale generation (approximately 10 MW e scale) may be possible at several locations just outside 

of the Shire, namely: 

 

 

 

Barnawartha (Logic Centre) 

Wodonga (near sub-station) 

Myrtleford (Carter Holt Harvey) 

Network constraints at the Wangaratta and Myrtleford substations may be remediated by locating new 

generators along these respective network loops, namely: 

 

 

 

Wahgunyah (on the Wangaratta line) 

Rutherglen (on the Wangaratta line) 

Myrtleford 

In certain circumstances, a proposed generator at these locations could negotiate better financial 

arrangements with the network operator if network upgrades can be postponed or avoided. 

Land Use 

An analysis of the location of national and regional parks, areas of cultural significance and mountainous 

areas unsuitable for development was undertaken. In general, the North West parts of the Shire would 

be more favourable for project development than the South East. The North West regions of the Shire 

are also closer to the major load centres. 

Renewable Energy – Key Outcomes In Brief 

Solar: The technology exists, the resource is good enough, and opportunities exist for grid connection in 

the North West. The economics are not compelling at present, but a combination of factors may alter the 


Earth Systems 


economic equation in the short to medium term. The Shire should carefully watch the space and develop 

a strategy to capitalise on the opportunity for large-scale solar when the economics improve. In the 

meantime, generation of less than 100 kW e in Victoria is currently eligible for a FIT of 8 c/kWh. (Indigo 

Shire may consider facilitating the installation of a number of 99.9 kW e solar PV systems on suitable roof 

areas as an immediate form of local generation.) 

Wind: Overall, the resource is marginal, but specific low-speed turbines may be able to capitalise on it. 

The economics are expected to be very sensitive to actual wind velocity at these low speeds. Payback 

periods are, however, better than solar due to lower capital equipment cost and better capacity factor. 

Wind data available may not accurately characterise particularly localised, higher-than-average wind 

velocity resources peculiar to specific land topography within the Shire, and local knowledge should be 

evaluated. The Shire should also consider engagement opportunities with other regions in which wind 


Biomass: At present, about 3.4 MW e of generation is possible from the recovery of absolutely all 

available waste biomass in the entire Shire (including agricultural wastes). Energy crops, waste from 

forest fuel reduction, and/or a significant import of biomass from outside the Shire would be needed to 

provide a significant bioenergy contribution. Significant (but currently fully utilised) plantation waste 

resources exist just beyond Shire boundaries, equating to a maximum power generation of about 8.3 

MW e . To generate the whole-of-Shire target of 13 MW e , an area of approximately 16,100 Ha would be 

required under an appropriate solid block short rotation coppice cropping (SCC) scheme. Under an intercropping 

SCC scenario this extends to 132,400 Ha. Depending on the scenarios, bioenergy plant 

economic modelling at the small, medium and large generating capacity had LCOEs of 185, 118 and 110 

$/MWh e including electricity and thermal heat sales. Possible co-generation opportunities exist at a 

number of sites within the region, including Uncle Toby’s and Murray Goulburn, provided their existing 

waste resources could be augmented by additional biomass. These, and several other sites are to be 

addressed in further detail in Phase 2 of the project. 

Geothermal: No significant geothermal resource is indicated in Indigo Shire. The existing data is limited, 

so the finding should be re-visited in the event that a new dataset for the region is developed. 

Hydropower: Large-scale hydro in and near to the Shire appears to have been fully exploited. Some 

small-scale (e.g. < 1 MW e ) resources exist in the Shire, however they are mostly associated with areas of 

cultural significance. There may be justification for individual small-scale projects, but these lie outside 

the scope of this Study. 

Suggested Priorities for Decision Making 



13 MW e may be accomplished within the Indigo Shire region. 

 

 

 

 

 

There is little economy of scale benefit in going larger within the range of generation considered, 

other than for bioenergy plant. Therefore, generation scale is likely to be dictated by network 

capacity (i.e. largest generator that can be connected without major network infrastructure costs). 

There are significant economic benefits in generation resulting in avoided retail power purchase. 

There are significant economic benefits in co-generation (possibly even tri-generation) at a given 

site. 

There may be additional incentives for installing site generation if it avoids the need for the 

network operator to undertake other infrastructure upgrades. 

Although the resource is marginal, the LCOE of wind means it is an attractive option.. 


Earth Systems 


 

 

Where substantial cooling loads are present, there may be additional economic benefit in 

generating power from solar resources. 

If the majority of the biomass is to be purpose-grown (energy crops), the same basic generation 

equipment type can be used at all sites; and it may be advantageous to use a similar plant size 

and/or supplier to achieve capital cost reductions (multiple units purchase via consortium). 


Earth Systems 


12 Recommendations 

Overall recommendations from the Phase 1 Study are as follows. 

Solar 

Wind 

1. Maintain a watching brief on current technology costs, which are reducing rapidly. 

2. Consider any immediate opportunities for solar PV generation of less than 100 kW e , which in 

Victoria are currently eligible for a feed-in tariff of 8 c/kWh (which may not be commercially viable 

for a smaller solar PV system). 

3. Consider large-scale solar at specific sites where peak generation may be able to off-set large 

peaking cooling loads (large refrigeration loads such as refrigerated distribution centre, large 

winery or dairy). 

1. Consider whether local information can identify any specific locations that would yield a better 

resource (than currently mapped). 

2. The Shire should also consider engagement opportunities with other regions in which wind 


3. Keep a watching brief on low-speed turbine developments. 

Geothermal 

1. Re-consider only if new geothermal data becomes available. 

Hydropower 

1. Consider limited possibilities for small-scale hydropower generation (

Earth Systems 


options in order of merit, this is likely to be arbitrary, pending further site specific technical and economic 

details to be obtained in Phase 2.) 

Table – Possible inclusions in a future renewable generation mix for Indigo Shire 

Resource 

Type 

Quality 

available 


Suggested 

Location(s) 

Approx. 

LCOE 

($/MWh e ) 

Suggested 

Capacity* 

(MW e ) 

Comments 

Biomass 

Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Carter Holt 

Harvey 

Myrtleford 

118 6 

(6) 

 

 

 


incentive; 

Co-gen Incentive; 


Biomass 

Site waste 

+ Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Murray Goulburn 

Tangambalanga 

118 6 

(6) 

 

 


incentive; 

Co/Tri-gen incentive; 

Biomass 

Site waste 

+ Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Uncle Toby’s 

Wahgunyah 

185 2 

(2) 

 

 

 


incentive; 

Co-gen incentive; 


Biomass 

Energy 

crops / 

Imports 

Logic Centre 

Barnawartha 

118 6 

(6) 

 

 


incentive; 

Co/Tri-gen Incentive 

Wind Marginal Various, eg 

Chiltern, 

Beechworth, 

Yackandandah 

Wodonga 

124 4.5 

(1.5) 

 

 

LCOE very sensitive 

to actual wind velocity 

Seek best possible 

resource(s) at 

available grid 

connection locales 

Solar PV Good Rutherglen 204 1.5 

(0.3) 

 

 




loads (winery) 

Solar CST Good Logic Centre 

Barnawartha 

298 20 

(5.2) 

 

 

Possible 

biomass/CST hybrid 

would reduce LCOE 



loads (distribution 

centre) 

*Rated Capacity (Average generated power) 


EARTH SYSTEMS 

Report Title 

13 References 

[1] Energy and Greenhouse Working Group, Indigo Shire Environmental Advisory Committee (2011) 

Indigo Shire’s Transition to Renewable Electricity and Self-Sufficiency (Internal Report) 

[2] Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission, (2012), “Power to the People: Inquiry into 

Distributed Generation”, Available: 

http://www.vcec.vic.gov.au/CA256EAF001C7B21/WebObj/PowerfromthePeople 

DraftReport/$File/Power%20from%20the%20People%20-%20Draft%20Report.pdf 

[3] Sustainability Victoria, (2011), “Electricity from Renewable Energy in Victoria”, Available: 

http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/resources/documents/Electricity_from_Vic_RE_2010_public.pdf 

[4] Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, “Renewable Energy Target”, Available: 

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/initiatives/renewable-target.aspx 

[5] SunWiz Consulting and Solar Business Services, (2011), “Solar PV Forecast for AEMO 2012-2022: 

Considerations for the Australian Energy Market Operator” 

[6] Australian Energy Regulator (2008) SP Ausnet Supply Zones(chart). Avalable: 

http://www.aer.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=741411&nodeId=aa1474923be587684be57709fd9bbbe 

0&fn=Map%205%20-%20Ausnet%20zones%202008.pdf 

[7] Map retrieved from AEMO, http://www.aemo.com.au/en/Electricity/Planning/Maps-and-Diagrams 

[8] SP Ausnet (2011) Transmission Connection Planning Report 2010. Retrieved from http://www.spausnet.com.au/CA2575630006F222/Lookup/general/$file/TCPR2010.pdf 

[9] Max Rankin, Senior Project Engineer, SP Ausnet (Personal communication) 

[10] SP Ausnet (2011) Distribution System Planning Report 2012-2016. Retrieved from http://www.spausnet.com.au/CA2575630006F222/Lookup/general/$file/DSPReport.pdf 

[11] Australian Energy Regulator (AER) (2012) Transmission Network Service Providers Electricity 

Performance Report for 2009-10. Retrieved from 

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2&fn=AER%20TNSP%20Electricity%20Performance%20Report%202009-10.pdf 

[12] Sustainability Victoria (2010) Distribution Generation Experience Analysis – Survey Report 

[13] AEMO Whole Grid Electricity Prices 2001-2012, Victoria. Accessed June 2012: 

http://www.aemo.com.au/Electricity/NEM-Data/Average-Price-Tables/Monthly-Price-Tables?year=2011 

[14] Melbourne Energy Institute (2011). “Renewable Energy Technology Cost Review”, Available: 

http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/~rogerd/Renew_Energy_Tech_Cost_Review.pdf. Last Accessed 21 

May 2012 


EARTH SYSTEMS 

Report Title 

[15] Clean Energy Regulator, “Large scale generation certificates”, Available: 

http://ret.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/Certificates/Large-scale-Generation-Certificates/about-lgcs, 

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[16] Australian Energy Market Operator, “Average Monthly Prices 2011-2012”, Available: 

http://www.aemo.com.au/Electricity/NEM-Data/Average-Price-Tables/Monthly-Price-Tables?year=2011, 


[17] Sanderson, J., Richardson, T., and Supangat, M., (2009), “Fighting Fire with Fire”, TreeSmart 

[18] Office of Best Practice Regulation, (2010), “Standard Economic Values Guidelines”, Available: 

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May 2012 

[19] Australian Bureau of Statistics, “Consumer Price Index, Australia, Mar 2012”, Available: 

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6401.0Main%20Features5Mar%202012?opend 

ocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=6401.0&issue=Mar%202012&num=&view=, Accessed online: 21 

June 2012 

[20] Clean Energy Council, “LGC (SPOT)*”, Available: http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/, Accessed 

online: 21 June 2012 

[21] An average land cost in AU$ per ha for rural/farming land around Rutherglen from Domain and 

realestate.com.au, Available: 

http://www.domain.com.au/?S_cid=G:SEM::domain:8534391072&gclid=CNWZxqPX77ACFcIlpAodc3iXtw 

and http://www.realestate.com.au/buy, Accessed online: 28 June 2012 

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[23] Creativhandz energy solutions, “Solar Radiation”, Available: http://www.creativhandz.co.za/solar.php. 

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[24] Bureau of Meteorology (2011), “Average daily solar exposure”, Available: 

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[25] Bureau of Meteorology, Solar exposure data derived from satellite imagery processed by the Bureau 

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http://www.iea.org/topics/solarpvandcsp/. Last Accessed 21 May 2012 

[27] Geoscience Australia and ABARE (2010), “Australian Energy Resource Assessment: Chapter 10 

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Accessed 1 June 2012 


EARTH SYSTEMS 

Report Title 

[28] ACT Government (2012), "Large-Scale Solar Auction" (2012), Available: 

http://www.environment.act.gov.au/energy/solar_auction. Last Accessed 22 June 2012 

[29] Australian Government (2012), “Energy in Australia 2012”, Available: 

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June 2012 

[30] Becky Stuart (2010), “Italy: Martifer Solar to install 3 MWp turnkey PV project near Milan”, Available: 

http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/italy--martifer-solar-to-install-3-mwp-turnkey-pv-projectnear-milan_100000828/#axzz1xpytfKau. 


[31] Clean Green Energy (2011), “Solar Power”, Available: http://cleangreenenergyzone.com/solarenergy/solar-power/. 


[32] J. Clifton and B Boruff (2010), “Site Options for Concentrated Solar Power Generation in the 

Wheatbelt”, Available: 

http://wheatbelt.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/report/Concentrated%20Solar%20Power%20Generation%20 

in%20the%20Wheatbelt%20Report.pdf. Last Accessed 18 May 2012 

[33] Planetary Power - Renewable Energy Solutions (2009), “Solar Panels - polycrystalline - 

monocrystalline - amorphous”, Available: http://www.planetarypower.com.au/solar_panels.htm . Last 

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Accredited Designers”, Available: http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/dms/cec/accreditation/Quick- 

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