The Territory Labor Government is delivering on a key election commitment, with todays announcement of the locations of the $5 million Rooftop Solar in Schools program.
The program will be delivered to selected schools in every Territory region over the next three years, with the top energy users in each region chosen as the first to have solar panels installed.
In round 1 of the program, $1.5 million in funding has been allocated to commence planning for installation at 10 Territory schools, with eight expected to be completed by 30 June 2019.
The Rooftop Solar in Schools Program is part of the Governments Roadmap to Renewables Plan to transition to renewable energy in the Northern Territory.
The Territory Labor Government has set a target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
Eight schools have been selected in the first round (2018/19), six in the second round (2019/20) and five in the third year (2020/21).
In each of those three years, two positions will be open for Expressions of Interest, which will enable any Territory school to apply for the installation of solar panels.
As stated by Minister for Education, Selena Uibo
The Territory Labor Government promised to invest $5 million to install solar panels in schools across the Territory and we are delivering on that promise.
This expenditure will enable selected Territory schools to save up to 40 per cent of their energy costs and redirect those savings into resources that will enhance our childrens education.
It will also act as a hands-on tool for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education.
The solar systems will include monitoring and measurement equipment and will facilitate innovative school-based projects, inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists to advance renewable energy solutions.
As stated by Minister for Renewables and Essential Services and Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield
The Territory Labor Governments number one priority is creating local jobs. Delivering 50 per cent renewables by 2030 will deliver local jobs, and cheaper, cleaner power. We are transitioning our power system to have more solar and less gas.
The Territory Labor Government is leading the way with solar and we are investing in major projects to achieve our renewables target. Along with the $5M Rooftop Solar in Schools program, we have also invested in the $15M home improvement scheme, the $4.5M smart energy grants scheme as well as the one-for-one solar feed-in tariff provided by Jacana Energy, Australias most generous.
The Territory Labor Government also recently announced a $40M private sector investment in the 25MW Katherine Solar Farm project that will be the largest renewable energy generator in the Territory. This farm will produce enough energy to power 8000 homes. Construction of the Katherine Solar Farm is scheduled to commence in 2019.
Schools chosen for the three year Rooftop Solar Program
Round 1 - 2018/19
1.Casuarina Senior College
2.Palmerston Senior College
3.Katherine High School
4.Sanderson Middle School
5.Nhulunbuy High School
6.Centralian Middle School
7.Nightcliff Primary School
8.Tennant Creek High School
9.TBC - subject to expression of interest process
10.TBC - subject to expression of interest process
Round 2 - 2019/20
1.Maningrida College
2.Dripstone Middle School
3.Braitling Primary School
4.Shepherdson College
5.Ngukurr School
6.Centralian Senior College
7.TBC subject to expression of interest process
8.TBC subject to expression of interest process
Round 3 - 2020/21
1.Angurugu School
2.Gunbalanya School
3.Nhulunbuy Primary School
4.Nightcliff Middle School
5.Yuendumu School
6.TBC subject to expression of interest process
7.TBC subject to expression of interest process
