In an exciting new development, Victoria has released insights on its plans to source at least 600MW of new solar and wind energy capacity through an additional auction within the Renewable Energy Target (VRET). This generation will help the government succeed in reaching 100 per cent renewables across all operations.
Lily D’Ambrosio, State Energy Minister for Victoria, said her department initiative a process to assess interest across the industry to create enough capacity in new renewables for use across Victorian hospitals, schools and the public train network.
According to Renew Economy, this phase will roll out on Wednesday, alongside a briefing in front of 300 investors ahead of a formal launch session.
In a recent tweet, D’Ambrosio said the tender would facilitate several aspects across government operations.
“Our government will be going 100% renewable,” read the tweet. “We’ll be tendering for more than 600MW of new-build renewables to power our schools, trains, hospitals and other government services.
She also added that the government would ask businesses to put forward their input on joining the VRET2 tender, to gain more renewables that will also reduce their energy bills.
“More renewables. More jobs. Lower emissions,” she said.
Renewables the key to economic recovery after COVID-19
Recently, there have been several calls for the state to resume large-scale developments across solar and wind auctions, to avoid a market crash in renewable energy.
The challenge is that these demands are coming forward during a difficult time in the state, as Victoria continues its fifth week in lockdown from coronavirus.
D’Ambrosio said that renewables pave the path to recovery, providing much-needed support for the economy.
“Renewable energy is supporting thousands of jobs and local businesses across Victoria – and it will help drive our economic recovery from coronavirus,” said D’Ambrosio. “It’s not only good for our economy; it will deliver more reliable, affordable energy to households across Victoria.”
She also added that Victorians are doing it tough right now and affordable power is highly needed and welcomed more than ever before.
“This will help to deliver that as well as creating jobs and stimulating the economy,” she said.
Commenting on the developments, the CEC said that the timing of these capacity movements is ideal. Still, the importance of ensuring the state’s grid connectivity is resolved remains a high priority before any auctions move forward.
Kane Thornton, CEC Chief, said it’s vital all projects can link up to the grid, but the Victorian Government is providing ways to support this need.
“The Victorian Government is supporting the streamlining of the grid connection process and also the development of the renewable energy zone model to ensure these projects can contribute positively to the grid while providing investor confidence,” said Thornton.
