Education Minister Grace Grace has announced the first list of Queensland state schools set to receive solar systems from the Palaszczuk Government’s $97 million Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program.
Ms Grace said the ACES program will be delivered in three phases at Queensland state schools, with Phase 1 now underway to install solar panel systems at 210 schools.
“Our ACES program will help reduce the energy costs at our schools which are some of the biggest energy users in the state,” Ms Grace said.
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“It involves the installation of solar panels and other energy saving devices such as LED lighting and timers on hot water systems.
“ACES will provide approximately 35MW of solar generated electricity…
“Once the program is fully rolled out, it’s expected to deliver a reduction in state school energy costs of up to 20 per cent.”
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Ms Grace said the first schools in Phase 1 represented each of the seven Department of Education regions: South East, Metro, Central QLD, North QLD, Far North QLD, Darling Downs/South West and North Coast.
The installation of panels at more than 800 schools will be rolled out by June 2020.
“Solar audits have been carried out at more than 60 of these state schools, and 20 schools have already been equipped with solar panels,” she said.
To view the full list of Phase 1 schools by electorate, click here.