When a proposed development for a large wind farm in the Hepburn Shire region in 2005, the community wanted something different, and they wanted to have a say in how this initiative would prioritize and benefit the people who live in this region. Inspired by the cooperative energy in countries in Europe, they came together to devise a community-owned alternative that led to the formation of the cooperative Hepburn Energy, in 2007. Hepburn Energy’s common purpose is to take action on climate change and generate community energy. The co-op aims to reduce local emissions and build community resilience.

Formally known as Hepburn Wind, Hepburn Energy is a member-owned cooperative and Australia’s first community-owned wind farm. The co-op is now working towards adding solar and battery storage. 

By 2011, Hepburn Energy’s 2000 cooperative members raised more than $9 million and become shareholders and owners of Australia’s first co-operative wind farm. Since then, the cooperative has become globally recognised for best practice community engagement in the renewable energy space.

By 2025, Hepburn Energy’s wind turbines, known as Gale & Gusto by cooperative members, have generated 127,654 MWh of clean energy, abating a whopping 130,813 tonnes of CO2

Each year, the Hepburn Energy Impact Fund contributes a minimum of $30,000 to foster climate resilience and help the Hepburn Shire community reach zero net emissions by 2030. In total, the co-op has contributed $326,916 towards 97 community benefit-sharing projects.

Visit Hepburn Energy at https://www.hepburnenergy.coop/

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