Turlough Guerin’s Post

https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

https://ab.co/4cowv4t This ABC Online article examines VicGrid's announcement regarding a new transmission line in eastern Victoria designed to connect offshore wind farms to the power grid, focusing on its repercussions for local landholders and the broader community's reaction. The review encapsulates VicGrid's strategy and stakeholders' diverse responses, detailing the project's scope, the decision-making rationale for selecting above-ground versus underground transmission routes, and the financial factors influencing these choices. Insights from VicGrid representatives and landholders, particularly farmers, add depth to the narrative, illustrating the balance between economic efficiency and community interests. Nonetheless, the article does not sufficiently explore the environmental impacts of above-ground transmission lines compared to underground options or the specific technical challenges each presents, which would have provided a more nuanced understanding of VicGrid's decisions. So what does it mean for Landcare and rural and regional communities? Here are my thoughts: Land Use and Property Values: The construction of overhead lines could significantly impact land use and potentially reduce property values, raising concerns about landscape alterations and restrictions near the transmission infrastructure. Environmental and Visual Impact: The article lacks detailed exploration of the potential effects of above-ground lines on local wildlife and ecosystems. Moreover, the visual intrusion of these structures in rural and scenic areas raises concerns about their impact on community well-being and tourism. Economic Considerations: While noting the cost-effectiveness of above-ground lines over underground options, the article does not thoroughly examine the broader economic effects on the impacted communities and landowners, who face immediate and enduring consequences. Community Engagement: The article acknowledges community involvement in the decision-making process but suggests a gap between stakeholder preferences and the final decisions, highlighting the need for improved dialogue and participation in future infrastructure planning. Future Planning: Mention of potential additional infrastructure needs underscores the importance of this project setting a precedent for integrating future developments in a way that is sensitive and inclusive of community concerns.

🌞 Major Boost for Clean Energy in Native American and Rural Communities🌞 Exciting news! The Biden administration is committing $366M to bring renewable energy projects to Native American reservations and other rural communities across the U.S. This initiative will impact 20 states and involve 30 tribes, marking a significant step forward in ensuring access to sustainable and reliable energy sources. Among the standout projects is a $9M collaboration between ASU and the Hopi tribe to develop solar energy panels and battery storage. This partnership is not just about harnessing the sun's power; it's a move towards providing the Hopi tribe with a dependable power supply and cleaner energy options. Associate Professor Kristen Parrish from ASU's School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, part of the renowned Fulton Schools, highlighted the project's potential to significantly improve the tribe’s energy sustainability. Let's celebrate this leap towards a greener, more sustainable future. 🌍💡 Read more on: https://lnkd.in/g-aiDKrG #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #CommunityPower #ASUInnovation

A U.S. District judge ruled this week that construction can proceed on Pattern Energy Group's multibillion-dollar renewable energy transmission line in southeastern Arizona that will carry wind energy to 3 million customers. Clark Mindock reports for Reuters.   "U.S. District Judge Jennifer Zipps in Tucson rejected a request for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction on Tuesday after finding Native American tribes and two environmental groups filed their January lawsuit challenging federal approvals for the massive project years too late.   "The SunZia transmission line will connect wind farms in New Mexico to electricity markets in Arizona and California, and is expected to begin commercial service in 2026. Pattern says the transmission line and wind farms it is developing cost $11 billion. The transmission line will be able to transport up to 4,500MW of power — more than the Hoover Dam." #powerindustry #PowerGrid #infrastructure #transmission #powerlines #construction #windpower #renewableenergy #electricgrid #newmexico #arizona #california #Capacity #criticalinfrastructure #transmissionlines #contractors #PCCA https://lnkd.in/e_sgsBtM

"As infrastructure continues to age and sustainability becomes increasingly important, regulators must provide utility companies with the needed capital to keep up with projects that are essential to delivering safe and reliable energy," CBIA's Chris DiPentima notes in a Hearst Connecticut Media Group op-ed. "It's time for Connecticut policymakers to work with utilities to meet our growing energy demands while supporting the build-out of additional sustainable sources of energy."   #energy #sustainability #transformCT

The "550-mile high-voltage transmission line connecting a sprawling 900-turbine wind farm in central New Mexico to the growing cities of Arizona and California, SunZia," is finally in construction. Why did it take so long to permit construction? "Study-itis" "Building more power lines, in other words, is an urgent national need. But over the past decade, construction of new long-distance lines has slowed down. The problem is that it’s much harder to get permits for transmission projects than for other types of major infrastructure: Power line developers must go hat in hand to cities, counties, states, the local utility board and many federal agencies to get permission to break ground on a new project. After that, they can expect to have to endure seemingly endless rounds of environmental review and permitting litigation. By contrast, developers of a natural gas pipeline, essentially need to go to only one federal agency for most of their permits." [Source: The New York Times] [Source: https://lnkd.in/g9dyTrRm] https://lnkd.in/gqFwPqJi

⚡ From coal to renewable water power: now that's what I call repurposing ⚡ Fascinating and inspiring update (£wall) this week from The Times https://lnkd.in/eydFg4a6 on the aptly named Foresight Energy's ground-breaking plans to convert an old opencast coal mine in Scotland into a major pumped storage hydro-electric scheme. ⚡ Original 2022 detail here, https://lnkd.in/eZ68iJxk ⚡ Much more please of this kind of innovation - investment, energy and civil engineering companies alike. #netzero #innovation #hydroelectricpower #sustainabledevelopment #cleanenergy

This is yet another example (and there are many) of the tension between the concerns of communities and national energy development needs. It reinforces our belief that our approach of community consultation and participation is a vital part of developing energy infrastructure which - especially with the closing on Monday of the UK's last coal fired power station - is inevitable.   #EnergyTransition #SustainableEnergy #CommunityEngagement #CleanEnergy #GreenInfrastructure #EnergyConsultation #NetZero