NAGA councils are replacing gas with renewable energy

NAGA councils are eliminating the need for fossil fuels wherever possible, and while councils have been reducing their electricity use for many years, it is only more recently that they have begun to look at the options for getting off gas.
 
Councils’ biggest and most common uses of gas include:
  • Heating large volumes of water for swimming pools
  • Heating smaller volumes of water in individual hot water systems across many council buildings
  • Gas-fired cogeneration and/or trigeneration units that simultaneously generate heat and electricity (and in the case of trigeneration, cooling)
 
Councils are now electrifying their operations and moving towards zero emissions by increasing their energy efficiency, installing solar panels to generate ​energy on site, and participating in innovative joint renewable energy procurement projects.
Solar installation at Banyule's WaterMarc Aquatic Centre.

Lessons learned and myths busted

The following case studies from Banyule, Moreland, Melbourne, Yarra and Whittlesea City Councils demonstrate that the electrification of council operations is a viable goal.​

​There are several common themes across the journeys of these five very different councils:
  • Consultants, industry and trades are not necessarily experienced in helping councils to transition away from gas – yet.
  • Assumptions need to be challenged with both a practical understanding of councils’ needs and a good grasp of the technical challenges involved.
  • Internal stakeholders need to see evidence that electrification works and will meet the needs of their council’s operations.
  • Bringing in and building in-house capacity is a crucial success factor.
  • Leadership from the top, and alignment with key council strategies, is also key.

Case studies