Victoria Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced an additional 20 schools will receive solar power systems worth $1.5 million – delivered through the latest round of the Labor Government’s Greener Government School Buildings program.
This program is helping the education sector bring down power costs, increase sustainability and cut carbon emissions. It also contributes to Victoria’s greenhouse gas reduction targets under the Climate Action Act 2017.
After this round, solar power systems will be operating at 415 schools across the state – delivering a total capacity of more than 17,400 kW and saving more than $4.9 million on electricity bills for participating schools annually.
“Schools need to use significant amounts of electricity to power students’ learning. That’s why we’re investing in them becoming more energy efficient, sustainable and climate resilient, while reducing running costs,” Carroll said.
“As well as saving money on their power bills now, participating schools will be helping the students of tomorrow by contributing to reaching our goal of net zero emissions by 2045.”
The Greener Government School Buildings program removes the upfront costs of installing a solar power system that may otherwise discourage schools from doing so.
Schools from earlier rounds include Bendigo South East 7–10 Secondary College which slashed over 148 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, saving more than $25,000 a year with a powerful 99 kW solar system. Leongatha Secondary College installed a 31 kW solar system, reducing emissions by more than 43 tonnes and trimming over $9,800 from its power bills each year. While Epsom Primary School is cutting over 51 tonnes of emissions annually and saving $9,700 thanks to its 20 kW solar system.
From July 1 this year, Victorian schools are being powered up by the State Energy Commission (SEC), lighting up classrooms with 100% affordable renewable energy
This program will help Victoria meet its nation-leading renewable energy and emissions targets of 95% renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
“We’re helping more schools reduce their energy bills with solar and lighting up classrooms across the state with clean, renewable energy powered by the SEC,” Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio said.
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