More schools turn green with clean energy and solar

The McGowan Government has today announced 91 schools that are set to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs as part of the first round of the $44.6 million Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund.

This includes the expansion of Synergy’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) pilot program to seven schools across the Mid-West and Goldfields regions, bringing the total number of schools with VPPs to 17.

In the Goldfields, O’Connor Primary School, Hannans Primary School and Kalgoorlie Primary School have been selected to receive VPPs, along with Geraldton Senior High School, Champion Bay Senior High School, Holland Street School and Kalbarri District High School in the Mid-West.

Each of these schools will be equipped with battery energy storage systems and smart VPP technology to make the best use of Western Australia’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 can be maximised across the power system.

Under round one of the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund, WA public schools were invited to apply for solar panels to reduce their environmental footprint and energy costs.

A total of 84 schools across the State were successful – 61 schools in the metropolitan area, and 23 schools in the regions.

Applications for round two will open to schools in Term 2, 2022.

As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

“We are committed to making changes and funding new initiatives that reduce the impact that schools have on the environment.

“While the Virtual Power Plants reduce emissions, they also have the benefit of providing incredible learning opportunities for students.

“I’m proud to announce that a further seven schools will be fitted with battery systems through the Virtual Power Plant pilot program, and an additional 84 schools will have solar panels installed.

“These allocations are all part of the McGowan Government’s $44.6 million investment in the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund.”

As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:

“The expansion of Synergy’s Schools VPP pilot program to the regions is an exciting step in continuing to deliver the McGowan Government’s Energy Transformation Strategy.

“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.

“I am pleased that the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund is bringing these benefits to 84 public schools that have previously missed out, which will support our power system by incorporating innovative solar technology.

“I look forward to helping deliver other clean energy technologies in future rounds, and believe this is an excellent opportunity for development of WA’s energy efficiency sector.”

Education and Training Minister’s office – 6552 5700

Schools Clean Energy Technology – Round 1 – Successful schools

Metropolitan

1. Arbor Grove Primary School
2. Ashburton Drive Primary School
3. Aspiri Primary School
4. Atwell Primary School
5. Aveley Primary School
6. Bambara Primary School
7. Belmay Primary School
8. Bentley Primary School
9. Bletchley Park Primary School
10. Camboon Primary School
11. Canning Vale College
12. Carramar Primary School
13. Clarkson Community High School
14. Dalmain Primary School
15. Darlington Primary School
16. Davallia Primary School
17. Dianella Primary College
18. Doubleview Primary School
19. Gibbs Street Primary School
20. Glencoe Primary School
21. Glendale Primary School
22. Goollelal Primary School
23. Halidon Primary School
24. Harrisdale Primary School
25. Helena Valley Primary School
26. High Wycombe Primary School
27. Hillman Primary School
28. Honeywood Primary School
29. Jandakot Primary School
30. John Butler Primary College and Education Support Centre
31. John Tonkin College – Tindale Campus
32. Kingsley Primary School
33. Leda Primary School and Education Support Centre
34. Maddington Primary School
35. Makybe Rise Primary School
36. Malibu School (K-12)
37. Malvern Springs Primary School
38. Manning Primary School
39. Middle Swan Primary School
40. Mundijong Primary School
41. Neerigen Brook Primary School
42. Nollamara Primary School
43. North Balga Primary School
44. North Morley Primary School
45. Orelia Primary School
46. Osborne Primary School
47. Rawlinson Primary School
48. Rivergums Primary School
49. Rivervale Primary School
50. Rockingham Lakes Primary School
51. Sorrento Primary School
52. South Padbury Primary School
53. Spring Hill Primary School
54. Sutherland Dianella Primary School
55. Tuart Rise Primary School
56. Waddington Primary School
57. Wellard Primary School
58. West Beechboro Primary School
59. Westfield Park Primary School
60. Willandra Primary School
61. Yanchep Beach Primary School 

Regional

1. Avonvale Primary School
2. Brookton District High School
3. Brunswick Junction Primary School
4. Cape Naturaliste College
5. Coolgardie Primary School
6. Darkan Primary School
7. Gairdner Primary School
8. Harvey Primary School
9. Kellerberrin District High School
10. Merredin College
11. Narembeen District High School
12. Northam Primary School
13. Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School
14. Quairading District High School
15. Rangeway Primary School
16. Rapids Landing Primary School
17. River Valley Primary School
18. South Bunbury Primary School
19. South Kalgoorlie Primary School
20. Treendale Primary School
21. Wandina Primary School
22. West Northam Primary School
23. Wilson Park Primary School