Australia, Policy, Renewables

WA public schools get clean energy boost

More Western Australian public schools will soon benefit from clean energy upgrades to reduce energy costs and enhance efficiency.

The State Government has announced the fourth round of its Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund, inviting applications from schools for solar photovoltaic and LED lighting installations.

The $44.6 million fund, established in 2020, aims to provide clean energy solutions to WA public schools over four years.

So far, 240 schools have received upgrades under the program. Round one saw solar panels installed at 84 schools, round two brought solar to another 96 campuses, and the third round provided LED lighting upgrades for 60 schools.

The State Government said the latest round will focus solely on solar PV and LED lighting, building on the State’s existing Solar Schools initiative, Synergy’s Virtual Power Plant scheme, and general LED replacements during maintenance.

“I am pleased that additional WA public schools will be able to reduce their energy use as part of this program,” WA’s Education Minister Dr Tony Buti said.

“Clean energy solutions are an important investment and we continue to provide these opportunities for schools to lower the impact on the environment and help students understand the benefits of renewable energy and technologies,” he said.

WA’s Energy Minister Reece Whitby said the new program will allows many WA schools to run off cheaper, cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

“It will also make the local electricity grid more stable and reliable and assist in our transition towards a cleaner energy future,” he said.

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