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Sovereign Hill Powers Up For A Sustainable Future

05 September 2016

Ballarat’s iconic tourist destination Sovereign Hill is playing its part in the switch to a sustainable energy future.

Speaking at the launch of the Gold Museum Solar Energy Project at Sovereign Hill, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the installation of 290 solar panels at Sovereign Hill will generate 75.4kW of electricity and significantly reduce the site’s overall carbon emissions.

There will be enough electricity generated to power the Museum as well as feed electricity back into the grid.

The Andrews Labor Government is leading the change towards more sustainable energy generation and use with a Renewable Energy Target of 25 per cent by 2020, and 40 per cent by 2025.

The targets will see an estimated $2.5 billion of investment and an additional 4000 jobs in Victoria's renewable energy sector.

The Labor Government has also re-instated the Greener Government Buildings program, a $33 million investment in lighting and heating and cooling technologies at a number of government buildings across Victoria, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tonnes each year.

All freeway lighting is being replaced with efficient and long-lasting LED technology, while a $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund has been established to provide grants for innovative projects that support a clean energy future.

A Victorian Energy Efficient Target has also been established, encouraging investment, employment and innovation in industries that supply energy efficiency goods and services.

The Government has also launched its Take2 Climate Change pledge, which aims for zero emissions by 2050.

For more information on Take2, visit https://www.take2.vic.gov.auExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Congratulations to Sovereign Hill for their leadership and the example they are setting for the rest of the business community.”

“This project has not only reduced the museum’s carbon footprint, but also contributes towards a changing attitude within the broader private sector.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“Working together, business, government and the wider community can make a real difference to achieving a sustainable energy future.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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