With 32 renewable energy zones planned, Australia is set to undergo a transformation. However, there is considerable opposition to the large-scale projects planned and, at the launch of his book, Powering Up, former chief scientist Alan Finkel said consultation with landowners and affected communities must improve.
But some farmers realise its potential. At the fourth annual National Renewables in Agriculture Conference held recently in Dubbo, a tour was conducted of the farm of Tom Warren. Warren says farmers can play a greater role in decarbonising the grid and has shown that grazing merino sheep under solar panels is beneficial. Carrying capacity increased by 15 per cent and wool quality and quantity improved.
