ELLEN: Snowy Hydro Windfall Should Fund Renewable Energy
The Victorian Greens are calling for a portion of the funds of the sale of the state’s share of the Snowy Hydro scheme to be invested in energy infrastructure to permanently end the state’s reliance on fossil fuel, including gas.
The move comes as the Australian Energy Market Operator warns the state will not have enough gas to meet current needs in 2022, a shortfall the Greens say can be met and exceeded through a transformational investment in renewable energy.
Victorian Greens Treasury and Energy spokesperson, Ellen Sandell, is pushing for a portion of the $2 billion windfall to be invested in:
1. The installation of solar panels and batteries in every Victorian school.
2. Doubling of the VRET to at least 1300 MW, given that projects are coming in significantly cheaper than anticipated, and many more bids have been received than anticipated, and
3. A large-scale home energy efficiency upgrade program to help replace gas usage.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for Treasury and Energy, Ellen Sandell.
“This is a once in a generation chance to fix the problems of the Victorian energy grid and permanently end the state’s reliance on polluting coal and gas."
"If the Government uses this $2 billion wisely, we can transform Victoria’s energy system on a scale like we've never seen before."
"We can put solar panels and batteries in every Victorian school, so that when they wind down after 3.30pm and in summer, they can charge their batteries and put energy into the grid for local communities to use.
“We can double the existing VRET, given that the Government has already received many more bids for exciting renewables projects than they expected, at a significantly cheaper price.
“We can upgrade tens of thousands of Victorian homes with energy efficiency to end our reliance on expensive gas. This is all achievable if the Government has the vision to use this Snowy Hydro money on big, visionary projects that are good for Victoria's future."
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Media Contact: Nick Gibbs 0491 012 791