The Andrews Labor Government has today released tenders for large scale solar plants, bringing forward $150 million of new capital investment and creating around 300 jobs in regional Victoria.
The Solar Certificate Tender will build up to 75 MW of new solar projects, which will generate enough power to supply more than 15,000 homes or a town the size of Mildura.
Around 35 MW of this new capacity will be linked to Melbourne’s trams, generating enough energy to power the entire tram network.
The Labor Government will voluntarily surrender renewable energy certificates matching the amount of electricity used by Melbourne’s trams, making the scheme additional to the national Renewable Energy Target.
It will also acquire renewable energy certificates from the successful tenderers.
By purchasing certificates directly from new projects, the Labor Government is using its purchasing power to drive new projects to be built in Victoria.
It is anticipated that this initiative will result in a reduction of more than 80,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, keeping Victoria on track to meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
This solar tender builds on the success of Labor Government contracts which are helping two new wind farms to be built at Kiata and Mt Gellibrand, bringing forward $220 million in investment and creating hundreds of local jobs.
For more information and updates on the Renewable Certificate Purchasing Initiative and associated tenders visit:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Andrews Labor Government is making history by delivering large-scale solar projects in regional Victoria.”
“We’re using our purchasing power to support new regional solar projects which will deliver $150 million in new investment and create around 300 jobs.”
“We anticipate that Victoria’s first large scale solar farms will be finalised by the end of 2018, which is great news for jobs and investment in regional Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020