Monday, November 23, 2020

The Victorian Government is investing in the Latrobe Valley to increase the uptake of renewable energy, create local jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, has opened the Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program (LVEGP), inviting applications for implementation-ready renewable energy and storage technology projects that will drive Victoria’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program makes available $3 million to fund both industry and community-led projects across the Local Government Areas of Latrobe City, Baw Baw, and Wellington.

The Latrobe Valley has extensive renewable energy resource potential, deep energy and engineering expertise, and a reputation as the centre of Victoria’s energy sector. This Program will grow local businesses and capitalise on Latrobe Valley’s diverse clean energy resources, skilled workforce, and accessible transmission infrastructure connected to the National Energy Market (NEM).

This new Program has been made possible by funds re-allocated from the closure of the Solar Partnering Around Regional Communities project (SPARC). SPARC received $60,000 for an initial feasibility study to assess the potential for a series of microgrids within the Latrobe Valley.

By funding a wide range of renewable energy projects, the Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program will maximise renewable energy generation, economic growth, and employment opportunities in the Latrobe Valley.

The Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth program supports the Valley’s aspirations for a cleaner energy future by providing an investment opportunity that allows community, industry, and business to put forward projects that increase the uptake of renewable energy technologies and that draw on skills and services in the Latrobe Valley.

Applications for the Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program close 29 January 2021. Find out more or submit an application at: www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“The Latrobe Valley has been Victoria’s energy powerhouse for the past 100 years and is at the heart of our strategic approach to the state’s new energy transition.”

“Through the Latrobe Valley Energy and Growth Program, we’re excited to be inviting new energy industry, including new and emerging businesses, to take advantage of all that the Latrobe Valley has to offer in the new energy space.