The residents spoke at the first of 20 Loddon Mallee renewable energy workshops, as part of a wider taskforce which is looking at the economic potential for renewable energy in the region.

The workshops in Bendigo were designed to give the community a voice in how they would like to see the transition from fossil fuels to new energy to take place.

"The workshops on Tuesday were attended by an enthusiastic group of Bendigo residents who raised a range of issues regarding what they would like to see in Bendigo's renewable energy future," Central Victoria Greenhouse Alliance's Rob Law said.

Read more: Loddon Mallee Renewable Energy Taskforce launches survey

"At both the afternoon and evening sessions, recurring themes were raised by the participants that included support for waste to energy solutions for the region and more support for solar on public, social, and community housing.

"Participants also expressed enthusiasm for towns, communities and households to become more energy self-sufficient through more rooftop solar, local solar farms and biomass energy projects."

There are a number of renewable energy projects already in operation across the Loddon Mallee region, with the Gannawarra Solar Farm, near Kerang, working as the largest combined battery and solar power plant in Australia.

More than 20 per cent of Bendigo households also already use solar energy, data from the Federal Renewable Energy Target showed.

The workshop revealed people in Bendigo were "generally supportive" of renewables, Mr Law said.

"They are enthusiastic about seeing the various benefits to the communities in the region, including jobs, energy resilience and affordable energy," he said. "They wanted to make sure that everybody benefits, including low income households.

"Participants expressed they want a range of different renewable energy solutions, based on what technically makes sense.

"That includes exploring new innovative opportunities for the region, including waste to energy, electric vehicles and batteries, among others."

The series of renewable energy workshops will be held across the Loddon Mallee region throughout August.

"We will also be at a range of markets and community events across the region talking to people about their vision of a renewable energy future," Mr Law said.

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