The NSW Government is planning to take advantage of more than eight million square metres of roof space across the state’s public schools through a plan to install rooftop solar and batteries at 2200 educational facilities, writes Charlotte Wentz.
On 18 November, 2022, NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean announced an expression of interest for companies to tender for the delivery, financing and operation of solar and battery systems under a power purchase agreement (PPA).
Specialist companies with experience in delivering a range of renewable energy solutions are invited to register for the NSW Smart Energy Schools Pilot Program, the largest procurement exercise of its kind in Australia.
Non-binding proposals received during the expression of interest period will be shortlisted in early 2023.
“With roof space equivalent to around 500 Sydney Cricket Grounds available across 2200 NSW public schools, this exercise will help us harness the power potential of our schools,” says Minister Kean.
“We have to be smart about how we finance and operate these resources so we maximise the financial returns for NSW and help make the electricity system more secure.”
The first stage of the NSW Smart Energy Schools Pilot Program commenced in May 2022, with 24 state schools installing solar and battery storage systems that are capable of storing 950kWh of electricity.
These participating schools are cutting emissions by around 30 per cent and saving more than $14,000 in electricity costs each month.
Stage two of the pilot will see a further 29 NSW schools install rooftop solar and battery systems, to be operational in early 2023.
The current expression of interest process forms stage three of the program.
“The project is testing solar and battery energy storage systems at 60 schools [24 from stage one, 29 from stage two and seven from the Smart Batteries for Key Government Buildings initiative] across the state and the feasibility of operating them as part of a virtual power plant,” says NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell.
“We want to reduce our state’s carbon emissions, cut school electricity costs and help students learn more about renewable energy.
“These programs are an exciting opportunity for schools to benefit from renewable energy technology.
“NSW Public Schools have the roof space and it is a no-brainer that we look at how we can utilise that space to benefit the NSW energy market.”
Australian Parents for Climate Action welcomes the NSW Government’s announcement to maximise NSW schools’ 21,700 buildings for rooftop solar and battery systems.
“This is a smart move by the NSW Government that will accelerate the rollout of clean energy and save schools critical funds, particularly while electricity prices are rising,” says Nic Seton, CEO of Australian Parents for Climate Action.
“We congratulate NSW for stepping up to enable state schools to be part of a clean energy future.
“More than 12,300 parents across the country have signed our Solar Our Schools letter to state and federal leaders calling for the installation of solar and batteries in schools and early childhood centres.
“In the lead up to the NSW election, we call on all sides of politics to ensure every school is included so no community is left behind.
“Parents and students will be relieved when they see climate action and the associated educational opportunities become available to them in their schools.”