Education Minister Grace Grace has announced the first list of Queensland schools set to benefit from the Palaszczuk Government’s $97 million Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program.
Ms Grace said the ACES program will be delivered in three phases at Queensland state schools, with Phase 1 now well underway to install solar panel systems at 210 schools.
“Our ACES program will help reduce the energy costs at our schools which are some of the biggest energy users in the state,” Ms Grace said.
“It involves the installation of solar panels and other energy saving devices such as LED lighting and timers on hot water systems.
“ACES will provide approximately 35MW of solar generated electricity, making a significant contribution to the Palaszczuk Government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
“Once the program is fully rolled out, it’s expected to deliver a reduction in state school energy costs of up to 20 per cent.”
Ms Grace said the first schools in Phase 1 represented each of the seven Department of Education regions: South East, Metro, Central QLD, North QLD, Far North QLD, Darling Downs/South West and North Coast.
“I’m pleased to announce that Phase 1 will see the installation of solar panel systems at 210 state schools right across the state this financial year, with the installation of panels at over 800 schools to be rolled out by June 2022,” she said.
“Solar audits have been carried out at more than 60 of these state schools, and 20 schools have already been equipped with solar panels.
“Phases 2 and 3 will see the program further rolled out to the remaining schools in 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively.”
Ms Grace said the program will boost local economies across Queensland.
“Approximately 281 jobs will be created across the state over the life of the program, with the contractors committed to maximising local employment opportunities.”
