How to Make the Energy Transition Work for Our Community

As the renewable energy transition gathers pace across New South Wales, regional communities like ours are being asked to host large-scale solar, wind and battery projects. But what does this mean for local landholders, neighbours and towns? How do we make sure the transition is fair, safe, and beneficial?

NSW Farmers, with support from EnergyCo and the Queensland Farmers' Federation, has released a comprehensive new Landholder Guide to help navigate these questions. It’s a practical, plain-language resource for anyone approached by a renewable energy developer — and it reinforces a message we at Geni.Energy have long championed: our communities deserve clarity, control and benefit from this energy shift.

Maximising the local benefits

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Hosting a Project is Always Voluntary

Landholders have no obligation to host renewable energy projects. If a developer approaches you, it’s your decision — not the government’s, not the company’s. You can say no. You can take time to get advice. And you can walk away if the terms aren’t right.

The guide stresses that developers cannot enter your land or conduct studies without your permission. Any agreement should be carefully reviewed by a lawyer with experience in renewable energy contracts.

2. Know What Makes a Good Developer

Not all developers are the same. Some are prospectors who sell projects on. Others build and operate long-term.

The best ones:

• Have a track record of delivering quality projects

• Are transparent and consultative

• Offer fair financial terms

• Respect landholder and community input

• Sign the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Charter

It’s worth asking tough questions early. Can they show you previous projects? Do they offer co-investment? Will they consult with your neighbours? Do they have proper insurance and decommissioning plans?

3. Community Batteries Are Part of the Mix

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), like the Narrabri Community Battery, are becoming an essential part of the energy grid. The guide acknowledges that while information is still developing, batteries play a critical role in storing renewable energy and supporting reliability — especially during outages or peak demand.

Importantly, battery systems can be safely integrated into local communities, with appropriate design and safeguards.

4. Benefit Sharing Must Be Real

Hosting energy infrastructure shouldn’t just benefit developers or distant shareholders. The NSW Government’s 2024 planning framework includes guidelines for community benefit sharing:

• $850/MW/year for solar projects

• $1,050/MW/year for wind

These payments should go to local projects, community groups, or councils. But they aren’t mandatory — it’s up to us to ask for them, negotiate for them, and ensure they’re delivered.

At Geni.Energy, we’ve been advocating for transparent, community-first approaches like this from day one. That’s why we helped bring a community battery to Narrabri — and why we believe every regional town should get their fair share of the energy transition.

Useful guide for landholders

5. Neighbours Matter Too

Even if you’re not hosting infrastructure yourself, you might live near it — and that can raise questions about noise, visibility, road use and more. The guide suggests neighbour agreements can help address this.

These could include:

• Visual screening or double glazing

• Compensation for insurance or operational impacts

• Annual payments

• The right to sell if impacts are too great

Good developers should address neighbour concerns proactively, not dismiss them.

6. Ask About Agrivoltaics

One exciting opportunity covered in the guide is agrivoltaics — the co-use of land for farming and solar energy. Grazing sheep under solar panels, or growing crops in their shade, can enhance land value and resilience. If you’re hosting a solar project, raise agrivoltaics early in negotiations. It’s much easier to plan for it than retrofit it later.

7. Prepare Early, Ask Questions, Seek Advice

Whether you’re a host landholder, a neighbour, or just a concerned local, this guide makes one thing clear: you have power in this process. Preparation is key.

Think about:

• Your farm’s long-term plans

• Where development might fit or conflict

• What protections and benefits you want

The more you know, the better the outcome — for you, your neighbours, and the whole community.

📘 Download the Guide

We encourage everyone in the Narrabri region and beyond to take a look at the NSW Farmers Landholder Guide to Renewable Energy and Transmission. It’s available here.

And if you have questions about the Narrabri Community Battery or want to be part of shaping the energy future in our town, get in touch. Geni.Energy is here to help.

Together, we can make sure the renewable energy transition is not just something that happens to us — but something we shape for the better.