The Australian National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) that provided grants of up to $50,000 for schools to install solar power systems was abruptly suspended without prior notice by the Rudd government today.
According to an announcement posted on the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts web site, demand for funding from the program has been very high, and the Department has now received “enough claims” to meet the program’s full budget allocation in 2009-10.
The program’s next round of funding will be available in July 2010, but DEWHA said it will open the program to new claims in May 2010 so schools can get a head start on preparing their claims for funding.
The announcement came as a shock to providers and schools alike as there was no forewarning that a suspension was imminent.
Max Sylvester, co-founder of solar power solutions provider Energy Matters was astounded by the move. “I spent today at an event speaking to principals about the program, only to come back from the event to learn of this development. There will be many severely disappointed school communities around Australia this evening who were looking forward to playing their role in reducing power related carbon dioxide emissions and providing a unique educational experience to their students this year.”
Mr. Sylvester also pointed out that this is the third time this year that solar power rebates have been suddenly axed. “I’m really starting to wonder about the commitment of our government to a clean, renewable energy future and the solar industry. In early June they ended the $8,000 SHCP solar rebate prematurely and then left everyone hanging for nearly two months before the Solar Credits program legislation was finally passed, then in late June they axed the remote power rebate with no warning; and now this.”
“It’s incredibly difficult for consumers and industry alike to plan under such conditions and it leaves me concerned about what bombshell will be dropped on Australian renewable energy next. Situations like this and the talking down of solar power by some government officials lately do nothing to help encourage investment in the Australian solar industry.”
A press release from Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water, Greg Hunt, used more colourful language to describe the situation.
“Peter Garrett didn’t have the guts to announce it himself… There is a pattern here. Peter Garrett and Kevin Rudd are solar frauds.”
What are your thoughts? Discuss it in the Energy Matters forums.
Note to schools: Energy Matters encourages schools to register their interest in the NSSP with us in order to beat the inevitable rush when funding does become available again.
