The Department of Education says 91 schools are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs as part of the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund.
Also included is an expansion of Synergy’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot program to seven schools across the Mid-West and Goldfields regions.
In a statement, the Department said each of these schools would be equipped with battery energy storage systems and smart VPP technology to make the best use of the State’s significant solar power resources.
“The VPP schools were selected by Synergy based on operational and technical considerations, enabling the pilot program to explore how benefits could be maximised across the power system,” the Department said.
“Under the first round of the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund , schools were invited to apply for solar panels to reduce their environmental footprint and energy costs,” it said.
The Department said a further round would open in Term Two.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said while VPPs reduced emissions, they also had the benefit of providing learning opportunities for students.
Minister for Energy, Bill Johnston said the expansion of the VPP pilot program to the regions was an exciting step.
“VPPs will help ensure that Western Australian homes, schools and businesses can continue to benefit from rooftop solar, while maintaining the security and the fairness of our power system,” Mr Johnston said.
“I look forward to helping deliver other clean energy technologies in future rounds, and believe this is an excellent opportunity for the development of WA’s energy-efficiency sector,” he said.
