A new tool is being developed to enable landholders to have a stake in the transition to renewable energy. The “Renewable Rating Scheme” aims to address the concerns raised by landholders who are reluctant to rent or sell their land to renewable energy developers, citing concerns over land degradation, noise, and impacts on local communities.
The scheme, currently in its pilot phase, allows landholders to evaluate and compare the environmental, social, and economic impacts of different renewable energy projects on their land. This information will help landholders make informed decisions about whether to participate in the renewable energy industry, providing them with a sense of agency and control over their land.
According to the Queensland Country Life, this initiative has the potential to generate billions of dollars for landholders. As the world shifts towards renewable energy, it is expected that the demand for suitable land for renewable energy projects will continue to increase, and this scheme will help to ensure that landholders are fairly compensated for their participation.
The scheme is being developed in collaboration with the Queensland Government, industry stakeholders, and local communities. The goal is to create a transparent and standardized process that balances the needs of both landholders and the renewable energy sector.
In a related effort, the Queensland Government has introduced regulations to cull “cowboy” developers from the clean energy industry, ensuring that only reputable and sustainable renewable energy projects are developed. These regulations require developers to provide detailed information on their projects, including environmental impact assessments, and to obtain approval from the relevant authorities before commencing construction.
The introduction of these regulations and the Renewable Rating Scheme has the potential to boost investor confidence in the renewable energy sector, attract more investment, and support the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy. By providing landholders with a greater sense of control and agency over their land, and by ensuring that only sustainable and responsible development projects are pursued, these initiatives are expected to contribute to a smoother and more successful transition to a renewable energy future.