The Victorian Government has made the first appointment for the new position of Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate (VREA).
Simon Corbell, who was previously Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change of the ACT, was appointed to the position.
In his previous role, Mr Corbell drove the delivery of large scale solar and wind farms and oversaw the implementation of the ACT large scale feed in tariff and reverse auction process.
The independent VREA’s key responsibilities include:
- Heading Victoria’s key advisory body on renewable energy development
- Leading efforts to attract further investment in renewable energy
- Assisting in the implementation of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) scheme
- Providing independent advice to the government
Mr Corbell was a recipient of the Banksia Foundation’s Gold Award for the ACT Solar Auction program, and has been recognised by the Clean Energy Council and Australian Solar Council for his work in championing the clean energy transition nationally.
The appointment of a Renewable Energy Advocate was first proposed by the state government when the Renewable Energy Roadmap was announced in 2015.
In June 2016, the government pledged to achieve renewable energy generation targets of 25 per cent by 2020, and 40 per cent by 2025.
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “Mr Corbell has over two decades of senior experience in public policy and has been a champion for reform in the renewable energy and climate change sector.
“We’re giving the renewable energy sector the confidence needed to invest in the renewable energy projects and jobs that are crucial to Victoria’s future.
Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate, Simon Corbell, said, “The Victorian Renewable Energy Target is invaluable for renewable energy In Australia.
“As the independent Renewable Energy Advocate I’ll be working with government, community and industry to make sure we deliver jobs, investment and affordable, secure energy for Victoria.”
