"A vital stepping stone towards 10,000 jobs"
The Andrews government have this morning announced the first big solar farms in the state as well as auctions to bring 650 megawatts of new projects online to kick off the legislative push on the Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
Friends of the Earth welcome the announcement and say it’s a vital stepping stone for the Andrews government towards its commitment to deliver 5,400 megawatts of solar and wind by 2025--taking Victoria to 40 percent renewables.
BIG NEWS: Victoria's renewable energy targets will be introduced into parliament TODAY. We are stoked. #springst #vret
— Yes 2 Renewables (@Yes2Renewables) August 22, 2017
“We welcome the Andrews government's announcement of renewable energy auctions which demonstrate a strong commitment to grow renewable energy and create jobs," said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth spokesperson.
"The first round of competitive auctions is a vital stepping stone for the Andrews government to deliver its commitment to 5,400 megawatts of new solar and wind farms by 2025.”
In June 2016 the Andrews government committed to Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 percent by 2020 and 40 percent by 2025--a plan that will deliver 5,400 megawatts of new wind and solar farms, create over 10,000 jobs, and attract as much as $9 billion worth of investment to the state.
Premier Andrews and Minister D'Ambrosio sign contracts for Victoria's first big solar farms. Solar trams here we come! #SpringSt #VRET pic.twitter.com/WrKmdmyOsy
— Leigh Ewbank ✊️🌈 (@TheRealEwbank) August 22, 2017
The Andrews government's commitment to the VRET scheme emerged after a strong campaign that brought together wind workers, solar home owners, renewable energy businesses, unions, and community members who support climate change action.
Friends of the Earth say the Labor government's announcement is good news for Victorian householders and businesses--expected to save households $30 per year, medium businesses $2,500, and large businesses $140,000.
Make a donation to Yes2Renewables today, and support the campaign that is bringing home the Victorian Renewable Energy Target!
Further comment
Pat Simons
0415 789 961