❓ Mr. Folkard asks about initiatives supporting public schools' transition to renewable energy. The Minister details the McGowan government's $44.6 million schools clean energy technology fund and its successes in installing solar panels and promoting energy efficiency.
AnsweredQoN 195Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SCHOOLS —
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
195. Mr M.J. FOLKARD to the Minister for Education:
I refer to the initiatives —
Several members interjected.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Member
for Burns Beach, just hang on for two seconds. Has the opposition finished?
Thank you. Carry on, member.
Mr M.J. FOLKARD : I refer to the initiatives
implemented by the McGowan Labor government to support Western Australia's
transition to net zero.
(1) Can the
minister update the house on how this government is assisting Western Australia's
public schools to become more energy efficient through the use of renewable
sources?
(2) Can the
minister advise the house how the use of cleaner and sustainable energy sources
in our schools will provide opportunities for students to learn about the
importance of sustainability?
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
195. Mr M.J. FOLKARD to the Minister for Education:
I refer to the initiatives —
Several members interjected.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER : Member
for Burns Beach, just hang on for two seconds. Has the opposition finished?
Thank you. Carry on, member.
Mr M.J. FOLKARD : I refer to the initiatives
implemented by the McGowan Labor government to support Western Australia's
transition to net zero.
(1) Can the
minister update the house on how this government is assisting Western Australia's
public schools to become more energy efficient through the use of renewable
sources?
(2) Can the
minister advise the house how the use of cleaner and sustainable energy sources
in our schools will provide opportunities for students to learn about the
importance of sustainability?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his
very important question. Before I answer it, the Premier talked about the list
of forthcoming sporting and cultural events. I would like to add one—the
2023 Australian Rowing Championships, which will take place at the world-class Champion Lakes Regatta Centre in my neck
of the woods from 27 March to 2 April, so members should get down there
if they possibly can.
(1)–(2)
The McGowan government is very committed to creating a cleaner and more
sustainable energy source for our public schools. The public school system has
a very important role to play in ensuring that we do our part in dealing with climate change and creating a cleaner and more
sustainable energy network. I would like to thank the Minister for
Environment; Climate Action for working very closely with us on that. In 2021,
the McGowan government launched the four-year $44.6 million schools clean
energy technology fund for the installation of solar panels and virtual power
plants at public schools across the state. The Minister for Energy is obviously very important in this role as well.
The fund was created to provide clean energy solutions for Western Australian
public schools and help schools save on their energy bills.
I
am very proud to let the chamber know that last week, the McGowan government
announced the opening of round 3 of
the fund, which will continue to focus on increasing energy efficiencies in our
public schools . It will be a two-stage approach. This round will focus
on the installation of more efficient technologies like LED lighting and
upgrades and will continue to help schools save on their energy bills and
assist in reducing carbon emissions. The fund so far has been a spectacular
success. It aims are to reduce carbon emissions, provide learning opportunities
for students and teachers, and enable them to acquire new skills in STEM, and
obtain the benefits of a renewable energy market and new technologies.
The
first round of the fund resulted in 84 schools receiving solar panels. The
government's 2023 investment in this program will result in the
installation of the solar program in 28 schools in the Kimberley and Pilbara
regions. Under round 2, 96 schools were awarded funding for a new solar system
or to extend the solar coverage of existing systems. In round 3, eligible
schools will receive a customised sustainability tool that will assist staff to
better manage energy use and reduce carbon emissions. Installed solar systems
will typically account for 25 per cent to 30 per cent of a school's
electricity use and will reduce energy costs, saving schools more to spend on
quality education. Eligible schools are encouraged to apply to help address
energy consumption costs, and I encourage all members to reach out to their
local schools. The schools clean energy
technology fund will continue to deliver on the McGowan government's
commitment to a cleaner, greener renewable energy and low carbon future
for Western Australia.
very important question. Before I answer it, the Premier talked about the list
of forthcoming sporting and cultural events. I would like to add one—the
2023 Australian Rowing Championships, which will take place at the world-class Champion Lakes Regatta Centre in my neck
of the woods from 27 March to 2 April, so members should get down there
if they possibly can.
(1)–(2)
The McGowan government is very committed to creating a cleaner and more
sustainable energy source for our public schools. The public school system has
a very important role to play in ensuring that we do our part in dealing with climate change and creating a cleaner and more
sustainable energy network. I would like to thank the Minister for
Environment; Climate Action for working very closely with us on that. In 2021,
the McGowan government launched the four-year $44.6 million schools clean
energy technology fund for the installation of solar panels and virtual power
plants at public schools across the state. The Minister for Energy is obviously very important in this role as well.
The fund was created to provide clean energy solutions for Western Australian
public schools and help schools save on their energy bills.
I
am very proud to let the chamber know that last week, the McGowan government
announced the opening of round 3 of
the fund, which will continue to focus on increasing energy efficiencies in our
public schools . It will be a two-stage approach. This round will focus
on the installation of more efficient technologies like LED lighting and
upgrades and will continue to help schools save on their energy bills and
assist in reducing carbon emissions. The fund so far has been a spectacular
success. It aims are to reduce carbon emissions, provide learning opportunities
for students and teachers, and enable them to acquire new skills in STEM, and
obtain the benefits of a renewable energy market and new technologies.
The
first round of the fund resulted in 84 schools receiving solar panels. The
government's 2023 investment in this program will result in the
installation of the solar program in 28 schools in the Kimberley and Pilbara
regions. Under round 2, 96 schools were awarded funding for a new solar system
or to extend the solar coverage of existing systems. In round 3, eligible
schools will receive a customised sustainability tool that will assist staff to
better manage energy use and reduce carbon emissions. Installed solar systems
will typically account for 25 per cent to 30 per cent of a school's
electricity use and will reduce energy costs, saving schools more to spend on
quality education. Eligible schools are encouraged to apply to help address
energy consumption costs, and I encourage all members to reach out to their
local schools. The schools clean energy
technology fund will continue to deliver on the McGowan government's
commitment to a cleaner, greener renewable energy and low carbon future
for Western Australia.
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