‘Energy Forever’ is a Port Macquarie – Hastings community-owned solar power and sustainability grants program. We use solar power to generate funds for local community driven projects.
- 1Energy Forever raises funds through donations and business sponsorships for the purchase of multiple 10 to 25kW solar power systems.
- 2We seek quotations for installation and maintenance of the solar power systems from reputable, accredited companies with offices in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area. This is to promote local employment and ensure prompt service if required. To avoid conflict of interest, the preferred company is selected by a sub-committee of Energy Forever Inc. which excludes individuals employed in the solar power industry.
- 3We install systems across multiple host sites in the region. Each system is matched to the host site’s electricity requirements to ensure that most of the solar electricity generated is used on-site. We have completed two solar projects: the first at St Agnes Early Education Centre, and the second at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council. Now we are on the lookout for other, future host sites
- 4The host site pays Energy Forever for the electricity generated by the solar power system, at a modestly reduced rate to their regular electricity provider. This is done under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
- 5The PPA revenue paid by the host site goes directly to an ongoing grants fund, which provides annual grants to eligible projects in the region which improve social, economic and environmental sustainability (NB some of the funds are set aside for administrative costs such as insurance, solar power system
maintenance, and web hosting). Energy Forever administers the grants program.
Local organisations will be able to apply for grants for projects which meet these criteria. Some examples of the types of project which might apply for a grant include, but aren’t limited to the following:
We’re looking forward to seeing what other ideas come forward!
So why give to Energy Forever instead of directly to a community project?
The exact rate of return on each solar power system will vary depending on the host site’s electricity use, but will pay for itself within 5 years. However, the host sites’ payments to Energy Forever for the solar electricity will continue for 15 years. This means that the initial donations which are invested in the solar power systems are effectively tripled, providing three times the benefits for sustainable projects. The host sites are switching from conventional electricity to clean renewable power, while saving money. Win, win, win!
Currently we are looking for our next project. When we have found one you can be a part of this innovative project by sponsoring a panel. There are two ways – we prefer direct debit because there are no fees to us (just remember to put your name in the transaction reference field).
But we understand that credit card donations can be more convenient, so we’ll give you that option too.
Benefits of Energy Forever membership
Action – get involved, learn about volunteer opportunities etc.
Advice – events and networking opportunities to educate and inform on sustainable power and energy efficiency.
Ambassadors – get behind an ethical community group focussed on promoting and delivering clean and sustainable power in the Hastings region.
Advocacy – ability to influence all tiers of government, business policy and investment through an established and respected NGO.
Access – to news and updates about projects and special events.
Association – working proactively with like-minded groups and organisations to re-build and empower our community.The Energy Forever Sustainable Grants Program is based on similar grants programs run by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. Local organisations will be able to apply for grants for projects which meet these criteria. Some examples of the types of project which might apply for a grant include, but aren’t limited to:
We’re looking forward to seeing what other ideas come forward!
The 2023 round of Energy Forever’s Sustainability Grants Program is now open. Please read the guidelines before applying: Guidelines document attachment here. The grant round closes on 30th August 2023.
We have completed two solar projects: the first at St Agnes Early Education Centre, and the second at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council. Now we are on the lookout for other, future host sites.
We have also recently been working on some exciting new projects with the support of two engineering students from ANU and UNSW. Here is an interview conducted by our first student, Matthew Dredge.
Find out about our latest successful grant applicants and the projects they are working on here.
You can be a part of this exciting project! We need volunteers to help promote renewable energy in the community, locate suitable host sites, and raise funds.
Simply fill in your details on the application form below.
If your organisation would like to host an Energy Forever solar power system, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for a building that:
To be viable, the solar power system we install needs to be ‘behind the meter’. This means you will consume most of the solar power on site, rather than exporting it to the grid.
If you think you fit the bill but aren’t sure, please get in touch anyway – we can check your electricity bill for you and take it from there!
The Energy Forever Inc. committee:
Chair: Stuart Watson
Treasurer and Co-ordinator: Tim Kallmier
Public Officer:
Communications Officer: Thom Klein
Committee member: Oskar Pecyna