Friday, 2 June, 2017

Some of Australia’s leading energy innovators are in the Latrobe Valley this week to take part in a renewable energy roundtable.

The Roundtable brings together more than 150 renewable energy and new energy technology stakeholders with the aim of identifying projects that could be successfully established in the Latrobe Valley to boost jobs and economic growth in the region.

The Roundtable helping innovative companies connect and share ideas about how to make the most of opportunities in new energy technology.

Attending the Roundtable, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced a consultation paper seeking feedback from local businesses, industry and the wider community to inform a Latrobe Valley New Energy Jobs and Investment Prospectus.

The consultation paper is the first step in working with the community, local industry and experts to identify challenges, as well as ideas on how to showcase what the Valley has to offer.

The Labor Government is also calling for tenders from organisations to roll-out the Latrobe Valley Home Energy Upgrades program, which will provide grants for up to 1,000 vulnerable households for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.

Those eligible for the program will receive a home energy assessment to determine the best way to make changes around their home to reduce energy bills.

The Labor Government has set ambitious Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025. These targets will drive an estimated $9 billion in investment and create up to 11,000 jobs.

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

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring together businesses and innovators to share ideas, collaborate and explore opportunities in new energy.”

“We want to make Victoria the national leader in new energy technologies to create jobs and reduce energy costs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“As the centre of Victoria’s energy production and expertise, the Latrobe Valley is well-placed to benefit from the momentum that continues to build around new energy technology for our growing state.”