Australia Invests $51 Million For Solar Power In Schools
Schools around Australia would be able to become more energy efficient following the allocation of $51 million in Federal Government grants announced by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Mark Dreyfus.
1,226 schools would benefit after receiving grants of up to $50,000 each under the Australian Government’s $420 million National Solar Schools Program.
Mr Combet today visited West Wallsend High School to announce the successful grant recipients of the 2010-11 funding round.
West Wallsend High School will receive $50,000 to install a 10 kilowatt solar power system and light switch sensors.
“This program shows that schools are getting smarter about their energy use and water conservation,” Mr Combet said. “It gives students the opportunity to experience renewable energy generation first-hand.”
Mr Dreyfus, at Ascot Vale West Primary School in Victoria, said more than 2,600 schools across the nation have already been allocated funding under the National Solar Schools Program and 93 per cent of these projects include solar power systems.
“This equates to approximately 11 megawatts of solar power – the equivalent of meeting the electricity needs of around 2,400 average households every day,” Mr Dreyfus said.
The grants of up to $50,000 ($100,000 for multi-campus schools) have been awarded to primary and secondary schools to install solar and other renewable power systems, rainwater tanks and to help implement a range of energy efficiency measures.
Applications were assessed using merit-based criteria, meaning schools had to demonstrate value for money, as well as environmental and educational benefits. Applicants that were not successful in this round will be eligible to re-apply in future rounds.
This seven-year program, which runs until 30 June 2015, also drives long-term growth in clean technology and jobs growth.
Further information about the National Solar Schools Program including a list of successful grant recipients is available on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website.
Topics: 2010, Australia, business, clean energy, climate change, economic development, economic growth, Economy, education, employment, energy, energy efficiency, energy independence, environment, funding, Governance, government, grants, Greg Combet, investment, jobs, Mark Dreyfus, moniter, monitor, National Solar School Program, news, renewable energy, schools, society, solar power
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
