Renewable energy upgrades for WA schools

WA public schools now have access to a fourth round of clean energy grants from the state government’s Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund. This round will focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) and LED lighting upgrades, with a total investment of $44.6 million over four years.

“This an important program that allows many of our schools to run off cheaper, cleaner and more efficient energy sources,” said Energy Minister Reece Whitby.

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

In the previous rounds, 240 schools received energy upgrades. Of these, 84 schools received solar PV in round one, 96 schools received solar PV in round two and 60 schools received LED lighting in round three.

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

“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.”

Aligning with Western Australian climate policy, the initiative expands on the existing Solar Schools Program, Synergy’s Virtual Power Plant Program and the replacement of lighting in schools with LED as a general maintenance measure.

Image credit: iStock.com/AnnaStills