School Infrastructure NSW

Schools charging up for solar sustainability

Release date: 25 October 2021

A revolutionary pilot aimed at making NSW public schools energy sufficient is under way, with the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the first 25 schools out to tender.

The $20 million Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project will assess the benefits and costs of a large-scale implementation of solar systems and batteries, together with other initiatives that have the potential to reduce demand on the electricity network.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the pilot project supports the efforts of the NSW Government as we work towards meeting our commitment of net zero emissions by 2050.

“There is more than 8 million square metres of NSW public school roof space and this pilot will allow us to understand how we can use it to support the next generation of renewable energy on a larger scale,” Mr Kean said.

“This $20 million investment will allow us to assess the benefits of the large scale implementation of solar PV systems and batteries to generate electricity to run our schools but also to store and sell energy back into the grid.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the initiative was groundbreaking and exciting, allowing schools to reduce their power bills and their carbon footprint.

“Our public schools are leading the way in student outcomes and soon they could be leading the charge in green energy,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The tender is open to qualified applicants who can design, supply and install the solar PV systems and batteries with work expected to start during the summer school holiday period.”

Businesses can take part in the tender process for the program via tenderlink: https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/

The following schools across metropolitan and regional NSW have been selected to participate in the Pilot Project:

  1.   Black Springs Public School
  2.   Bowral Public School
  3.   Coraki Public School
  4.   Dorrigo Public School
  5.   Duri Public School
  6.   Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School
  7.   Gerogery Public School
  8.   Glenbrook Public School
  9.   Gulgong Public School
  10.   Gymea Technology High School
  11.   Kingswood Public School
  12.   Lake Munmorah Public School
  13.   Lowesdale Public School
  14.   Lyndhurst Public School
  15.   Mandurama Public School
  16.   Nemingha Public School
  17.   Sandon Public School
  18.   Stuart Town Public School
  19.   Vacy Public School
  20.   Walbundrie Public School
  21.   Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre
  22.   Wee Waa Public and High School (combined)
  23.   Werris Creek Public School
  24.   Willow Tree Public School
  25.   Yarrowitch Public School
The Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project will assess the benefits and costs of a large-scale implementation of solar systems and batteries.
Image: The Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project will assess the benefits and costs of a large-scale implementation of solar systems and batteries.
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We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.

We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.