For release on Thursday 23 October, 2025
Community Power Agency has today launched the Community Energy Incubator - a mentorship and investment program designed to help community groups lead the development of their own mid-scale solar and battery projects.
The Incubator will support local organisations to plan and deliver community-led projects on the distribution network, offering mentorship, capacity building and starter funding to move groups from early concept to investment readiness.
"Community groups are competing in a system built for big energy players, yet there's huge momentum and demand from communities to participate in renewables themselves - and their role doesn't have to be limited to rooftop scale" said Community Power Agency Director, Kim Mallee, who co-led the nation's first community solar garden, Haystacks Solar Garden.
"Mid-scale community energy projects are a triple win. They unlock the 'missing middle' of the distribution network, making use of existing, underutilised infrastructure. They put locals in the driver's seat, giving communities the ownership and agency they've been calling for. And by centering community benefits and creating real opportunities for locals, these projects foster social licence."
Since 2011, Community Power Agency has supported over 50 community groups to develop their own clean energy projects.
Yet despite growing interest and successful early projects, mid-scale community energy projects have struggled to take off, often falling through the cracks between small rooftop systems and large utility-scale developments.
The Incubator aims to change that. It will focus on removing barriers to participation, building technical and investment capability, and demonstrating the social licence and grid benefits of community-owned renewable energy.
The Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA), which has led community energy efforts across Eurobodalla for over a decade, welcomes the initiative.
"Our community has wanted to develop a mid-scale solar farm for years, but there's no support to level the playing field in the utility-scale space," said SHASA President Kathryn Maxwell.
"The Incubator is exactly what's needed - practical, hands-on support to help communities realise their energy ambitions."
Expressions of Interest are now open for community groups, councils and local partnerships across the National Electricity Market seeking to take part in the program.
Applications close Friday, 16 January 2026.
