The Victorian Government is helping more Ballarat businesses use renewable energy technologies to reduce electricity costs, create local jobs and support clean power.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced that two projects in Ballarat will share in more than $100,000 as part of round five of the New Energy Jobs Fund.

It includes plans to install solar panels on buildings owned by PINARC, a Ballarat-based not-for-profit organisation that supports about 1,000 children and adults with disability, their families and carers.

Solar panels will also be installed by Hockey Ballarat at Prince of Wales Park saving thousands of dollars a year on energy bills.

They are among 13 community-owned renewable energy projects to be funded across the state – with more than $1 million allocated – and all aligned with the Regional Renewable Energy Roadmaps that were released in May.

The roadmaps were developed by local community groups and set out individual – though complementary – strategies to help specific regions take advantage of renewable energy.

Funding has been awarded to those renewable energy projects that best promote community participation, allow access to the benefits of renewable energy for all and increase renewable energy generation in Victoria.

Some of the other successful projects a small-scale solar farm in Bendigo, a community battery in Yackandandah and a solar electricity system for the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club.

These projects will provide local employment opportunities, encourage meaningful community participation, and contribute to Victoria’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.

For a full list of successful recipients or more information on the Fund, visit www.energy.vic.gov.au/new-energy-technologies

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Driving down emissions and promoting renewable energy is something everyone can do.”

“These grants will give local communities the opportunity to harness clean energy technology to reduce emissions, build a local renewable energy economy and create local jobs.”

“The Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 50 per cent by 2030 is making Victoria the best place to locate and grow a low-carbon business.”

 Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“We’re empowering local businesses and communities to do their bit for the environment by coming up with renewable energy projects that will not only reduce emissions, but create local jobs as well.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“These are innovative projects for Ballarat that will help drive down emissions while engaging the community to be part of renewable solutions.”

Quote attributable to Mary Debrett President of BREAZE Inc

“BREAZE is delighted that a not-for-profit organisation doing great community work like Pinarc, will now be able to reap the benefits of solar power – cheap energy and lower emissions.”

“Given we need to rapidly halve emissions globally by 2030 — to set the right trajectory for zero by 2050 – this is a great win for the environment and the community and another success for the BREAZE Social Solar program.”

Quote attributable to Marianne Hubbard, Chief Executive Officer from Pinarc Disability Support

“We could not be more excited about this project which will allow Pinarc to reduce our carbon footprint through creation of a clean and sustainable solar energy resource that will bring us closer to energy independence.”

Project details:

Hockey Ballarat will install a 36kw solar panel system at Prince of Wales Park to reduce carbon emissions along with creating financial saving benefits that will result in easing financial barriers for those looking to participate in playing hockey. $15,000 in funding will contribute to a 36kW solar system, with completion expected by November 2021.

Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions Inc will work with Pinarc Disability Support to install 68kW of solar PV on buildings owned by Pinarc. $108,800 in funding will install 68kW of solar panels with completion expected by November 2021.