Friday, 28th June 2017

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today announced $241,850 in Gippsland to further develop the new energy technology sector.

This funding announcement is part of the second round of the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund (NEJF), announced by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

The NEJF assists with the delivery of new energy technology projects which support the uptake of renewable energy, reduce emissions and assist community groups to develop projects.

The project will see Energy Innovation Co-operative Ltd implement the first two stages of its ‘Old Energy-New Energy’ project at the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine.

The $241,850 project will see Energy Innovation Cooperative Ltd develop a 86kW of solar PV with 25kWh battery storage owned by EICo-op, installed at the State Coal Mine Wonthaggi, trialling Parks Victoria partnership.

Ms Shing said the project would build on EICo-op’s capacity as a ‘Community Powerhouse’, demonstrating, trialling, teaching and sharing new energy technologies with the public.

As the largest ground-mounted PV array in the region, the technology represented by the 86 kW of solar PV will be an important local innovation.

The initial 25 kWh capacity of the battery installation (to be expanded later), along with sophisticated monitoring is locally unique and will be a crucial demonstration model for a rapidly evolving technology of demonstrated high business and public interest, including beyond our region.

The partnership with Parks Victoria is innovative and unique in Victoria although common overseas. The initial model we are trialling where the Co-op owns the installation and Parks Victoria purchases the clean power is also innovative and locally unique.

This initial project will provide income for the Energy Innovation Co-op’s “Southern CORE (Community Owned Renewable Energy) Fund”, enabling it to support the installation of renewables onto community buildings across the region.

Over 50 applications were received in round two of the New Energy Jobs Fund, resulting in 21 successful projects receiving a total of over $6 million in grants.

The third round of NEJF grants is expected to open later this year.

More information on the NEJF at: http://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/future-industries/new-energy-technologies

Quotes attributed to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“The New Energy Jobs Fund is a great example of the Andrew Labor Government’s commitment to developing the renewable energy industry and creating more jobs for the state.”

“This project is one of many right across Victoria that is making the most of opportunities”