Share

The Victorian Government’s new energy targets propose to have 40 per cent of the state’s electricity generated by renewables by 2025, creating thousands of jobs.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio announced the targets.

The aim is that by 2020, 25 per cent of electricity generated in the state will come from renewable energy. By 2025, that will rise to 40 per cent.

Currently, about 14 per cent of Victoria’s electricity comes from renewable sources.

It’s anticipated that by 2025, up to 5400 megawatts of new large-scale renewable energy capacity will be built in Victoria – representing an estimated $2.5 billion of investment in the state.

That means more than 4000 additional jobs in the renewable energy sector during the expected peak year of construction in 2024, and around a 12 per cent reduction in electricity sector greenhouse emissions by 2034-35.

Mr Andrews said, “Growing renewable energy means growing jobs, and we want a big boost to both right here in Victoria.

“The world is shifting to renewable energy – it creates jobs, drives growth, and protects our environment – and Victorians want to be at the forefront of that.”

Mr Andrews also announced an auctions scheme – running a series of technology-neutral auctions, as well as solar auctions – which will see project developers compete to be the lowest cost provider.

Successful bids will be given long-term contracts to support their projects, providing certainty for investors.

Mr Andrews said there is great potential for large-scale solar to become a mainstream source of energy across Australia over the next decade thanks to its generation and energy demand, rapid advances in technology and decreasing costs.

The Victorian Government will work with the renewable energy industry, electricity networks and retailers, and consumer groups to refine the details of the scheme, with the first auction of contracts to begin next year.  

Separate auctions will be held for large scale solar projects.

The targets and auction scheme form a key part of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Action Plan to be released later this year – reviving a sector which has stalled since the Federal Government cut the national Renewable Energy Target in 2015.

Lauren brings a fresh approach to content. While she’s previously written for publications as diverse as Australian Geographic, The Border Watch and Girlfriend, she’s found her true passion in her current role as an editor in the world of energy and infrastructure trade magazines.

©2024 Utility Magazine. All rights reserved

CONTACT US

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Sending

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?