2019 clean energy award winners announced

Winners of the 2019 Clean Energy Council Awards have been announced by the Clean Energy Council at the NAB Gala Dinner as part of the Australian Clean Energy Summit in Sydney.

The awards celebrate leaders in innovation, community engagement, and marketing and communication. Also, special recognition is given to an individual who has contributed to the renewables sector over many years via the Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the winning projects from AusNet Services, Mondo and Vicinity Centres all address specific needs in the industry.

Innovation Award

AusNet was awarded the Innovation Award for its trial project, Networks Renewed, which demonstrated that customer-owned solar PV and battery storage systems can provide voltage regulation services on the distribution network. AusNet Services and Essential Energy partnered with the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University Technology Sydney, Mondo and Reposit.

The trial proved that voltage can be suppressed during high solar export periods by controlling reactive power capabilities of residential smart inverters. This solution has enabled increased solar hosting capacity on the network and allowed customers to generate more solar energy.

Community Engagement Award

“Mondo developed a mini-grid in the small town of Yackandandah in Victoria, allowing the community to receive 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2022. With the project already saving the town $160,000 in energy costs, the business was awarded the Community Engagement award,” Thornton said.

Mondo worked with community energy group Totally Renewable Yackandandah to develop the mini-grid project. By early 2019, the mini-grid had generated 1 GWh of locally produced renewable energy, saving the community more than $160,000 in energy costs and 1112 tonnes of CO₂e.

Marketing and Communications Award

“The inaugural Marketing and Communications award was won by Vicinity Centres for a communications campaign to promote their Integrated Energy Strategy to multiple stakeholders. The campaign achieved a reach of more than 1.8 million and has set the bar high for future finalists in this award,” he said.

Vicinity Centres’ campaign utilised assets within its 60+ shopping centres garnering national and local media coverage.

Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award

Thornton honoured former ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Environment Minister Simon Corbell for his years of tireless work for the industry.

“Simon introduced Australia’s first reverse auction program for renewables while he was Deputy Chief Minister of the ACT; a highly innovative program that came during a very challenging time for the industry,” Thornton said.

“He also led the Territory’s push towards Australia’s most ambitious renewable energy target — 100% by 2020. He has never wavered on the importance of addressing climate change, and he has found ways to deliver where others have struggled. It is my absolute honour and privilege to present Simon with this award for his remarkable efforts.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/vege