Hi
all,
Kicking
off in order of importance this week is surely the REERP (Renewable
Energy Emissions Reduction Plan), formerly known as CHERP (Coffs
Harbour Emissions Reduction Plan)…..
The
proposal looks closely at the first stage of planning, which is 25%
reduction in emissions and 25 % of energy to be sourced from
renewable energies by 2020.
Stakeholder
workshops were held with Council staff and consultants undertook
comprehensive modelling and predictive works to map out ‘pathways’
to reach the targets. Assessments are made of where Council expends
its energy budget and where most emissions emanate.
Energy
consumption.
Approximately half of Council’s energy needs, approximately
11,000,000 kWh, arise from the water and sewerage services, Council
properties account for approximately 2,500,000 kWh, Street lighting
just over 2,000,000 kWh, Holiday parks and reserves just over
1,500,000 kWh and the Airport just und 1,000,000 kWh. These totals,
combined with energy used by Council’s fleet, account for the great
majority of its energy usage
Emissions
The
bulk of emissions come from electricity generation and importantly,
from landfill. Since the level of emissions is from existing stored,
as well as new additions to landfill, the level of emissions has been
declining. Also, flaring of gas has reduced carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere. Further, since the life of the landfill seems certain to
be mainly over within a decade, a 25% reduction in carbon emissions
can be achieved by doing virtually nothing additional. Cost is not a
factor since this is already part of council’s waste program. Some
emission reduction can be achieved by changing over much of the
street lighting to LED and the report recommends a staged program of
this.
What
now? The
recommendation contained in the report are to reduce the renewable
energy target from 25% to 10%, based on financial considerations. I
believe that many in the community will find this unacceptable as it
demonstrates a lack of willingness on Council’s part to take
serious action regarding climate change. Particularly as the meeting
of its emissions reduction plan requires virtually no action.
The
cost of transferring to renewable energy is largely around solar
power, with the purchase of externally-provided Green power to make
up the difference in reaching the targets. Solar power can either be
by Power Purchase Agreement (where a provider supplies and owns PV
systems and Council buys the power) or Council-funded (where Council
pays for the supply and installation of systems and then power is
supplied without further charge).
Obviously
the short term savings are important in the first option and long
term savings are greater in the second option. The report recommend a
mix of PPA and Council-funded systems. PPA might be more suitable on
Council owned externally-leased properties such as Neighborhood
Centres, whereas Council-owned would be more suitable on properties
owned and occupied by Council.
Investment
for all available properties to be PPA would be approximately $2M,
whereas investment required for Council-owned systems would be around
$6M.
The
report goes on to recommend the deferral of the earlier-adopted
resoliution (25 August 2015) to use some of the Renewable Energy Fund
as rate rebates for businesses to install PV systems. This is another
attempt by Council to retreat from an earlier position.
At
its meeting of 26 June 2014 Council resolved: “That Council sets
targets for its use of energy from renewable sources, including
hydroelectricity, solar and other”.
At
its meeting of 10 July 2014 Council resolved: “That Council staff
investigate strategies for reducing energy consumption. This may
include such things as use of automatic timers, air conditioners and
use of energy efficient technology such as LED. In particular,
options for street lighting should be included.
All
three of the above resolutions were Motions brought by the Greens
councilor ST.
.
At
its meeting of 18 December 2014 Council resolved:
1.
Council notes the Coffs Harbour Emissions Reduction Plan (Stages 1 -
2) and adopts
the
following provisional targets:
1.1
Coffs Harbour City Council will reduce its per annum corporate
emissions (tonnes
CO2from
2010 levels by 25% by 2020 and by 50% by 2025.
1.2
Coffs Harbour City Council energy use to consist of 25% renewables by
2020,
50%
renewables by 2025 and 100% renewables by 2030.
2.
A further report be presented to Council in 2015 revisiting the
provisional targets in
the
context of the Coffs Harbour Emissions Reduction Plan (Stage 3).
On
Thursday, I will be seeking to have Council commit to its targets of
the above resolution. I will contend that all available opportunities
for PV systems should be commenced as soon as possible. In the event
that shortfalls in renewable energy are evident, the option for
purchase of Green power can be considered year by year.
Council
is proposing that Ministerial approval be sought for loans to fund
some of these works. This seems a suitable source for revenue.
Note
that the targets beyond 2020 can only be met by large scale PV
plants, which would incur a significant cost. There is no guarantee
that this would be forthcoming, so I feel that we should commit to
short term targets, which would help establish our position as
leaders, rather than the ‘do not much now, fix it up later with
massive expenditure (maybe)’ approach which is being proposed.
The
Climate Change Action Group has been extremely effective in shaping
the debate locally. Representatives from this amazing team will be
speaking on Thursday. If people are available to come and support
this issue, it would be fantastic. Remember, you can bring signs and
placards to help Councillors be aware of your views.
Sally Townley
Greens Councillor
Coffs arbour Council
