TheTerritory Labor Governments $5 million Rooftop Solar in Schools electioncommitment has started to roll out, with tenders awarded for installation atfive schools.
Announcedin November last year, the program will be delivered to 25 schools over threeyears at a cost of $5 million and is anticipated to save selected schools up to40 per cent of their energy costs.
The Rooftop Solar in Schools Program is partof the Governments Roadmap to Renewables Plan, which aims to transition to the Northern Territory to 50per cent renewable energy by 2030.
Installationis underway at Casuarina Secondary College, the first of the 25 selected schools,and is soon to commence at Katherine High School, Nightcliff Primary School,Palmerston College and Sanderson Middle School.
Combined,the first five projects are expected to support 40 local construction jobs.
Tendersfor a further five schools will be awarded in the coming months.
Theprogram will be delivered to schools in every Territory region, includingremote schools, with sites selected on the basis of their energy usage or theirinnovative science programs.
Eight schools have been identified in Round 1(2018/19), six in Round 2 (2019/20) and five in Round 3 (2020/21).
In each of those rounds, two positions areopen for Expressions of Interest, which will enable any Territory school toapply for the installation of solar panels.
As noted by Minister forEducation, Selena Uibo
The Territory Labor Government promised toinstall solar panels in schools across the Territory and we are delivering onthat promise.
This program will enable selected schools tosave up to 40 per cent of their energy costs and redirect those savings intoresources that will enhance our childrens education.
Additionally, the solar systems themselveswill enhance childrens learning. They will include monitoring and measurement equipment,which will facilitate innovative school-based educational projects and inspireour next generation of engineers and scientists to advance renewable energysolutions.
Quotesattributable to Minister for Renewables, Energy and Essential Services, DaleWakefield
The Territory LaborGovernments target of 50% renewables by 2030 will deliver local jobs, andcheaper, cleaner power. We have the potential to be Renewables Capital ofAustralia.
Just last week, Singapores Sun Cableannounced plans to power one third of the island nation by building the worldsbiggest solar farm in the Territory, which will create 1300 jobs forTerritorians.
Construction is also underway on the $40million, 25MW Katherine Solar Farm project, and twin $43 million, 10MW solarfarms at Batchelor and Manton Dam, which, when all are completed by the end of2019, will mean the Territory is powered by 10 per cent renewable energy.
The $5M Rooftop Solar in Schools program isalso an important part of our Roadmap to Renewables plan, to not only saveschools money, but to equip our Territory students with the skills they need tomaximise the job opportunities the clean energy sector will bring.
As noted by Casuarina Senior College Principal, Glenn Dixon.
The solar power program will allow CasuarinaSenior College to take practical action to reduce its emissions, while alsoproviding educational benefits for students in learning about renewable energyand environmental awareness.
SCHOOLS CHOSEN FOR THE THREE YEAR ROOFTOP SOLARPROGRAM
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
10. TBC – subject to expression of interest
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
8. TBC subject to expression of interest
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
7. TBC subject to expression of interest
