Agrisolar News #9
Welcome back to Agrisolar News!
In this issue, it’s all about events, events, events! While we await the outcome of the Stage 1 submission, we are back to getting out and about for the bid and are delighted to share the forthcoming calendar of events where you can come together and connect with bid team members and consortium partners.
*CRC BID PARTNERS – SAVE THE DATE!*
Stage 2 CRC Partner Information Webinar
Wednesday 18 June 12pm – 1pm (AEST)
This online webinar is being held exclusively for all confirmed partners of the CRC. Topics covered will include next steps in the application process, impact tool meetings, budgets and milestones as well as time for you to ask questions. We would like at least one representative from each partner organisation to attend. A save the date with a registration link will be sent out shortly.
Upcoming Events
JUNE
Noosa Power & Energy Conference
24-25 June 2025
The Noosa Power and Energy Conference 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and experts to explore the critical role of regional Australia in driving the national energy transition. The event will feature thought-provoking sessions on renewable energy technologies, regional leadership, and sustainable innovation, with a strong focus on collaboration and actionable solutions. The Renewables in Agriculture Session will be led by our Bid Director, Dr Liz Smith, with panellists from our CRC partners Solspan & Calliope Station!
Read more >>
Enhancing Biodiversity in Solar Farms, hosted by the University of New England (UNE)
24 June 2025 | 2-5PM | NOVA, Faulkner St Armidale (or online)
This event will feature a keynote presentation by Dr Josh Ennen, Visiting SABL Fellow at UNE and Senior Scientist at the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute (REWI), USA. Dr Ennen will share unique insights into opportunities for engagement and collaborative research, drawing on his extensive work at REWI and his strong relationships across the USA renewable energy and conservation sectors. Alongside Dr Eric Nordberg (UNE), and a diverse panel of invited guests with unique backgrounds (farming, land management, industry, government, research, etc.), we will explore practical solutions for maximising environmental outcomes in utility-scale solar developments.
Read more >>
JULY
National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo
23-24 July 2025 | Bendigo, Victoria
Conference founder (and Agrisolar CRC Board Director!) Karin Stark has successfully run this event since 2019. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Tony Wood, Energy Program Director of the Grattan Institute, and all attendees will have the option of participating in a bioenergy tour of the Kia Ora Piggery on 24 July. Available sessions will cover topics that include electric utes, green hydrogen, battery storage, bioenergy, solar pumping, future grid and sharing the benefits when hosting large scale solar and wind farms.
Register soon - this event sold out in 2024! >>
SEPTEMBER
Farming Forever National Summit 2025
1-2 September 2025 | Hotel Realm, Canberra
Hosted by Farmers for Climate Action, the event will be made up of summit sessions, keynote speakers, panel discussions, as well as a Gala Dinner and lots of opportunity to network. A Farmer-only Workshop Day will be held on 3 September and will include media and government engagement training, as well as capacity building sessions.
Learn more >>
Gippsland New Energy Conference 2025
9-10 September 2025 | Gippsland Performing Arts Centre Precinct, Traralgon, VIC
Run by the Gippsland Climate Change Network, this event is the largest regional energy event in Australia. Core topics at this year’s event will include All things Renewable, The Power of Wind, Innovation, Climate Change, Circular Economy & Nature Positive, Community Engagement and Workforce & Skills. The conference program is under development and tickets will be available from mid-June.
Learn more >>
Out and About
Hunter New Energy Symposium (May 2025)
We were so proud to, via the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, facilitate two presentations from our consortium of partners at this Newcastle (NSW) event! Elecsome told us all about opportunities for PV recycling in the Hunter and beyond, and Allegro energy gave some exciting insights into how their energy storage system is of far grander benefit to all compared with traditional batteries! As a fellow presenter stated: “Collaboration is the new energy currency—powering progress through shared insight, innovation, and ambition”. Thanks so much to Neeraj (Elecsome) and Thomas (Allegro) for being part of such an expert presenter group.
The future of agrisolar in Tasmania (May 2025)
Bid Director, Dr Liz Smith had the pleasure of presenting a summary of our bid to interested industry, farmers & landholders at a very well attended webinar, hosted by the Tas Farm Innovation Hub. Hosted as an online interactive discussion, there is lots to learn from the various presenters and thank you so much to the TAS Hub for facilitating and recording!
For a full recording of the webinar please see here.
Announcing: Our research teams!
You may have missed it in the rush of the bid, but we would like to highlight our dedicated research institutions that are partnering formally with us in Stage 1:
Western Sydney University (Lead)
Central Queensland University
Deakin University
Federation University
Macquarie University
University of New England
University of NSW
University of Wollongong
If you would like to be connected with any of these institutions to progress work on a project idea that you have been considering for the CRC, please reach out and we will coordinate an introduction.
We’ve updated our website FAQs!
If it’s been a while since you checked in with us, please read the latest information on our processes in the lead up to the announcement of Stage 2 submissions here. Of note, please consider the below carefully before reaching out to sign up in between Stage 1 and 2!
I didn’t formally partner for Stage 1, can I still partner in Stage 2?
Yes, however we will only be accepting partners who contribute cash at this stage unless you have already agreed parameters of a contribution with the bid team. Please reach out to formalise arrangements and understand how this will work.
What’s next?
FAQs:
What happens in between Stage 1 and 2 of CRC bids?
First and foremost, we will be taking a tiny break for the next two weeks. A big thank you to all those who worked tirelessly, answered after hours calls, and supported the core team to get the bid over the line!
Second, after we have regrouped, we will start working through the requirements for Stage 2 submission. This will involve some partner workshops, further project planning in addition to the amazing work already scoped, and introducing partners within our consortium to one another where we perceive opportunity for collaboration! Please keep an eye out for workshop invitations.
Will we be progressing to Stage 2?
This is not definite. If our Stage 1 application is successful, we will be invited to submit a Stage 2 application and attend an interview with the CRC Advisory Committee. However, the Stage 2 application window is usually only a 5-6 week period, so per the above we will be working toward Stage 2 submission before we know whether we will be advancing or not. More information on the timeframe is here.
I didn’t formally partner for Stage 1, can I still partner in Stage 2?
Yes! So, please reach out to formalise arrangements and understand how this will work. However, we will only be accepting partners who contribute cash at this stage unless you have already agreed parameters of a contribution with the bid team.
Agrisolar in the Media
Confirmed good news for solar grazing outcomes: A comprehensive three-year study conducted at Wellington Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia, has revealed fascinating results about sheep and solar panel coexistence. The research team from Lightsourcebp, in partnership with EMM Consulting and Elders Rural Services, monitored 1,700 Merino sheep divided into two groups: one grazing in traditional pastures and another among solar panels.
Read more >>
Looking to get more involved in the decarbonisation community in NSW?
Join the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub mailing list for monthly updates from our Networks: Land and Primary Industries, Electrification and Energy Systems; and Powerfuels including Hydrogen!
