Thursday, 1 October 2020

The Victorian Government is helping more Gippsland businesses use renewable energy technologies to reduce electricity costs, create local jobs and support clean power.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced that local energy projects will share in more than $120,000 as part of round five of the New Energy Jobs Fund.

The Gippsland Climate Change Network will receive $70,000 to install solar heat pumps on a hospital, with the savings reinvested into other energy efficiency options to cover a complete energy upgrade in less than six years, while the Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House will install a solar and battery system which will also save on energy costs.

They are among 13 community-owned renewable energy projects to be funded across the state – with more than $1 milllion allocated – and all aligned with the Regional Renewable Energy Roadmaps that were released in May.

The roadmaps set out individual strategies to help specific regions take advantage of renewable energy – while being complementary to one another – and were developed by local community groups.

Funding has been awarded to those renewable energy projects which best promote community participation, allow access to the benefits of renewable energy for all and increase renewable energy generation in Victoria.

Some of the other successful projects a small-scale solar farm in Bendigo, a community battery in Yackandandah and a solar electricity system for the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club.

These projects will provide local employment opportunities, encourage meaningful community participation, and contribute to Victoria’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.

For a full list of successful recipients or more information on the Fund, visit energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies.

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

“Driving down emissions and promoting renewable energy is something everyone can do.”

“These grants will give local communities the opportunity to harness clean energy technology to reduce emissions, build a local renewable energy economy and create local jobs.”

“The Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 50 per cent by 2030 is making Victoria the best place to locate and grow a low-carbon business.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We’re empowering local businesses and communities to do their bit for the environment by coming up with renewable energy projects that will not only reduce emissions, but create local jobs as well.”

 “These are innovative projects for Gippsland that will help drive down emissions while engaging the community to be part of renewable solutions.”