Illawarra Branch

Renew Illawarra is a dedicated local branch focused on advancing Community Power in the region. Run by a small but active team, we work to inject facts and insight into local energy discussions through public presentations on topics such as offshore wind farms, solar energy, and Community Energy Zones.

Our advocacy has played a key role in shaping the Local Council’s Climate Change Plan. We’ve also contributed to broader policy debates, making detailed submissions to the Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (22 pages) and the Select Committee on Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia (20 pages).

Our ongoing support for Community Energy Zones aligns with recent developments, including the NSW Government’s announcement of the first Urban Energy Zone within the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone.

The Illawarra Branch generally meets at UOW Innovation Campus (Squires Way, North Wollongong) – ITAMS Building.

We meet on the unceded lands of the Dharawal, Wadi Wadi, and Yuin people.

We organise a number of activities during the year and assist with major events such as Everything Electric and Sustainable House Day.

Convenor – Greg Knight

News and Events

Illawarra Branch Event

Endeavour’s Distribution Network: Storage, Flexibility & What’s Next?

18 Jun 2025

Endeavour Energy is actively deploying a range of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) hardware and software, including Microgrids and Community Batteries. The organisation is also playing a key role in our new Urban Energy Zone project.

Illawarra Branch Event

Using gravity to store energy

30 Apr 2025

Green Gravity’s energy storage solution harnesses the fundamental principles of gravity and kinetic energy to store and dispatch energy by lifting and lowering heavy-weighted objects.

Illawarra Branch Event

Community Energy Zones

19 Feb 2025

Community Energy Zones are the natural evolution from Electrification (eg E2515), Distributed energy resources (ie the Panels EVs etc owned by consumers), Vehicle to Grid and Community Batteries. A CEZ has storage as the basis for trade and runs on the local network. It is almost self sufficient.

Illawarra Branch Event

Charting a Sustainable Offshore Wind Future: How can Co-Design and Systems Thinking Help?

21 Nov 2024

Charting a Sustainable Offshore Wind Future: How can Co-Design and Systems Thinking Help?

Illawarra Branch Event

21/11/21 – Permaculture Field Day

21 Nov 2021

Visit April Sampson Kelly and Paul Kelly on their permaculture property that has been under continuous development for more than 30 years.

Illawarra Branch Event

18/11/21 – Climate Change – Can Regenerating Soils and Landscapes Save the Day?

18 Nov 2021

Soils for Life is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to supporting Australian farmers and rural communities in regenerating soils and landscapes to build natural and social capital and transform food systems. Learn more at this webinar.

Illawarra Branch Event

11/5/21: Renewable Energy for Small Business

11 May 2021

Many small businesses operate mainly in daylight hours and have considerable roof space. This situation is conducive to substantial reductions in power bills and a short payback period for solar panel purchase.

Illawarra Branch Event

05/5/21: Supporting the sustainable development of local construction supply chains and economies

5 May 2021

Come and hear Dr Tillmann Böhme (MBA) speak on the sustainable development of local construction. Tim is a creative, collaborative and innovative start-up entrepreneur, senior lecturer, and an expert supply chain analyst based at the University of Wollongong.