Proposals sought for school renewables program

The NSW Government has announced that an expression of interest (EOI) process will be held for proposals to finance, deliver and operate renewable energy solutions across 2200 public schools in NSW.

The EOI process is being managed by School Infrastructure NSW as part of the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Project.

It is seeking proposals to finance, install and operate solar and battery systems across the state’s public schools as part of a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), or other alternative models. This could include operating the systems as part of a virtual power plant (VPP).

The government said that this was a unique opportunity for businesses with the experience and capability to deliver the largest renewable energy program of its kind in the country.

The opportunity

There are about 21,700 buildings at 2200 public schools in NSW with around 8 million square metres of roof space. The schools consume more than 345,000 megawatt hours of electricity a year, enough energy to power about 46,000 homes.

Respondents are being asked to submit non-binding proposals outlining different options to deliver renewable energy solutions across some or all of these assets.

Shortlisted responses will be invited to submit final binding proposals in 2023, subject to approval by the NSW Government.

Interested parties should register their interest to take part in the EOI via E-tendering NSW.

Image caption: Aerial view of Fernhill School in the suburb of Glenmore Park, NSW. Image credit: iStock.com/Phillip Wittke