The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in renewable energy in the Latrobe Valley and beyond – reducing emissions and creating jobs.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced nine renewable energy projects will share in almost $2 million thanks to the Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program (LVEGP).

The funding will support diverse projects creating and supporting renewable energy jobs in a range of sectors include floating solar, geothermal, hybrid battery systems and renewable energy manufacturing.

Recipients include the Gippsland Climate Change Network who are receiving almost $210,000 for a floating solar demonstration project at Lardner Park.

The solar project will take advantage of underutilised space, keeping viable land for agriculture while reducing water loss from the lake due to evaporation and preventing algae growth.

Additionally, the Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative are receiving nearly $240,000 to develop and manufacture portable solar-battery systems to assist emergency services during extreme weather events.

More than $390,000 will be provided to the Yarram Recreation Reserve to install solar PV, a battery and a portable renewable energy system, which will mean the local SES, CFA and Red Cross who use the reserve will have access to low-cost, clean back-up power during outages and emergencies.

Sunny Afternoons are also receiving more than $210,000 to install battery energy storage systems at dairy farms across the Valley.

The $3 million LVEGP funds industry and community-led renewable energy generation, management, and storage projects across the Latrobe City, Baw Baw, and Wellington local government areas that draw on local skills and services.

This latest round of projects builds on previously funded LVEGP projects such as small-scale solar projects on community buildings in Heyfield and Coongulla.

For more information visit: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Renewable energy projects are creating jobs and driving down local community power bills, and projects like these mean regional Victoria will remain a leader in energy, engineering and innovation.”

“This is about supporting local businesses to deliver renewable energy systems that not only slash emissions and electricity bills, but provide power during extreme weather events, improve community resilience and new jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We’re ensuring the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland play a key role as we transition to clean, cheap and reliable energy – capitalizing on our local clean energy resources, skilled workforce, and transmission infrastructure.”