Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) is a non profit organisation based in the Bega Valley and the Eurobodalla Shire. Its Mission is to to encourage the community to become actively involved in reducing energy consumption by educating the public on Climate Change and lobbying Governments to introduce policy and legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through embracing renewable energy and reduction of energy consumption.

CEFE is not politically aligned with any political organisation. Clean Energy for Eternity Inc was formed following Bega Orthopaedic Surgeon, Matthew Nott’s human message on Tathra Beach on 21 May 2006 to gain attention and support for combating the issue of Global Warming and Climate Change. In November 2006, for his work with Clean Energy for Eternity, Matthew Nott was awarded the NSW Government’s GREEN GLOBE AWARD for Energy Champion –Individual Award. This award honours an outstanding individual who is instrumental in identifying, implementing and managing energy efficiency projects.

The Project
Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSCs) are an iconic part of the Australian culture. CEFE are planning a highly visible campaign to install clean energy generation on each of the 305 clubs around Australia. This would increase awareness of climate change targeting millions of beach goers each year. It is envisaged an education campaign would be run in parallel with each installation to highlight the issues of climate change, the clean energy installation and its environmental and cost benefits.

The aim of this campaign is to:

• educate the public on renewable energy options;
• increase awareness of global warming and climate change; and
• demonstrate solutions through the installation of clean energy measures.

As with any large project it has to start small before expanding. Its inaugural event was supported by the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club and as part of its ongoing commitment to SLSC in NSW, as well as addressing Climate Change, we have installed a wind turbine, solar hot water system and solar photovoltaic cells on the roof of the Tathra Clubhouse. This not only provides a working example of how back to the grid systems work, but also a cost benefit to the SLSC through reduced electricity bills. CEFE’s aim was to start with the Tathra SLSC as a thank you for their support to date and then proceed to have all the clubhouses on the Far South Coast fitted out with renewable energy by the end of 2007, which happens to be the Year of the Surf Life Saver. Tathra launched their project on the 20th January 2007 as part of the Wharf to Waves Ocean Festival. The first clubs to be set up are as follows:

• Tathra Project complete 19 January 2007
• Narooma
• Broulee
• Batemans Bay
• Moruya
• Pambula
• Bermagui

Funding
In order to fund such a large project it needs sponsorship, preferably from a large organisation. There is some funding through the Federal Photovoltaic Rebate Programme and community sponsorship. A number of other funding mechanisms may also be available. SLSCs are located in some of the windiest and sunniest parts of Australia. They are already connected to the grid for their power supply. This makes them ideally suited to grid connected solar and small scale wind generation.

This technology can be purchased ‘off the shelf’ and requires minimal ongoing maintenance. Installation is relatively straightforward and costs of modern systems are very reasonable. These costs can be further reduced by taking advantage of the Photovoltaic Rebate Programme 1 which provides a rebate of up to $4000 per system. Each system would be funded by sponsorship and/or grants. It is envisaged that three sponsorship packs would be offered. This will vary depending on club house size and usage.

Sponsorship Packs:                        Option 1         Option 2          Option 3
Wind turbine                                     1 x 400W        1 x 400W        1 x 400W
Solar panels                                       1000W            2000W            3000W
Environmental benefit (tCO2/yr)            tbc                   tbc                    tbc
Sponsorship costs (approximately)      $15,000          $25,000            $35,000

Sponsorship costs would cover purchase and installation of all equipment. Sponsorship benefits would include publicity at the surf club and in their media as well as in the associated clean energy education campaign, media and web site.

The $4000 rebate has been factored in to these estimates above.The campaign would have a web site to keep track of progress across Australia. Each installation would include web enabled data logging so the amount of clean energy generated and the corresponding environmental benefits could be displayed
and updated at regular intervals.

In summary, this project has the potential to:

• install over 1,000kW of clean energy generation;
• increase education and awareness of climate change across Australia; and
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1,500t per year.

REASONS TO SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY ON SURF CLUB HOUSES

Reduces running costs and saves the SLSC money on electricity which could be better utilised on equipment and training for Surf Life Saving.

• Renewable energy on SLSC clubhouses shows community groups embracing clean energy sources.
• Would be seen by thousands of beach goers and increase education and awareness of global warming and climate change and demonstrate solutions by showing the community renewable energy at work.
• Provides a readily accessible working model for display and educational purposes.
• Shows NSW and community groups can be leaders in converting to renewable energy.
• 2007 is the Year of the Surf Life Saver, what better reason does one need?

JULIA MAYO-RAMSAY
CLEAN ENERGY FOR ETERNITY EUROBODALLA
surfclubproject@yahoo.com.au

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