Community Energy Opportunities in the Northern Rivers

Advancing technologies and shifting norms are enabling communities to take control of their own energy supply and usage. Communities can initiate, develop, operate and benefit from a renewable energy resource or energy efficiency initiatives. From across the world, to right here at home, community groups and social enterprises are partnering with developers, energy retailers, network companies and local councils to develop renewable energy projects which return profits and power to the people and aid the clean energy transition.With the Northern Rivers having been at the forefront of the renewable energy transition for decades, it is a brilliant place to explore how this democratisation of the energy sector is currently unfolding, and what new startups can form in this sphere. Join us for a discussion on the opportunity for new businesses and social enterprises to be formed in the community energy sector. This event is part of a series leading to the EnergyLab Northern Rivers Clean Energy Hackathon to produce new startup ideas.  Panellists Ella Rose, President, Community Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby (COREM); Project Manager, COREM Large Scale Solar Garden Project Svea Pitman, Project Manager, COREM Mini Hydro Project Tony Pfeiffer, Managing Director, Enova Community Energy Sue Webster, Communications Team Leader, Farming Together (Farm Co-operatives and Collaboration Pilot Program), Southern Cross University Craig Johnston, Board Member, Zero Emissions Byron; Principal, Red Gum Projects; 5MW Byron Eco Park Solar Farm Nick Lake (Moderator), Co-Founder & Executive Director, EnergyLab Odette Lawler (MC), National Events Manager, EnergyLab Timing 5:45pm: Doors open 6:15pm: Panel discussion on community energy opportunities in the Northern Rivers, followed by a moderated Q&A with the audience 7:15pm: Continue the discussion over drinks and light snacks 8:15pm: Event concludes About EnergyLab EnergyLab is Australia’s leading platform for launching new energy businesses. Our integrated approach draws on the community of clean energy entrepreneurs and offers a range of ways to engage and leverage their ideas, technologies and resources. To read more about EnergyLab head to energylab.org.au. EnergyLab is partnering with Southern Cross University's Enterprise Lab to deliver it's Acceleration Programs, designed to help people launch and grow new energy businesses. Find out more at energylab.org.au/programs. About Southern Cross Enterprise Lab Southern Cross Enterprise Lab is a startup hub and co-working space located at Southern Cross University's Lismore campus. Functioning as a node in the NSW entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Enterprise Lab is supported by the NSW Government’s Department of Industry through the Boosting Business Innovation Program. Through its programs, the Enterprise Lab supports startups and works to build the entrepreneurial capacity of the Northern Rivers. Find out more at enterpriselab.org.au Thank you to our partners This event series is run in partnership with Southern Cross University's Enterprise Lab  and Community Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby (COREM)   Want more? EnergyLab is passionate about clean energy innovation in the Northern Rivers. To receive an invitation to future events please sign up to our mailing list.   Volunteers needed! If you're willing and able to assist with any of the following, please email Odette at odette@energylab.org.au.  Taking photos (BYO camera) Packing up at 8:15pm