SYDNEY, Sept 11, 2018 – The Andrews’ Government support of renewables will lead to the creation of four new wind farms and two solar installations across the state, creating jobs in construction and maintenance while reducing emissions and power prices.This morning Premier Daniel Andrews announced the projects, under the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET), would generate enough electricity to power more than 646,000 homes.
“These type of projects are exactly what Victoria and the rest of the country need, given the complete lack of leadership on renewables and climate policy at the federal level,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Campaigner Alix Foster Vander Elst said.
“Renewables are already cheaper than coal and gas and that divide is only going to grow. This initiative will create jobs while lowering power prices and pollution and are the kind of projects that should be replicated Australia-wide.”
The projects include:
- Berrybank wind farm, near Geelong
- Cawarp solar farm, near Mildura
- Cohuna solar farm, near Echuca
- Dundonnell wind farm, near Warrnambool
- Mortlark South wind farm, near Mortlake
- Winton solar farm, near Shepparton
They will be rolled out under the VRET, the nation’s only state-legislated renewable energy target, which aims for renewables to provide 40 percent of Victoria’s power by 2025.
“While schemes like the VRET should be applauded it still does not go anywhere near as far as the planet requires if we are to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees,” Ms Foster Vander Elst said.
“Australia needs to get to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. That requires the VRET to be strengthened, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy’s pledge to scrap the scheme would undermine climate action while punishing families and businesses through job losses and higher electricity prices.”
For interviews:
Martin Zavan, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Communications Campaigner
0424 295 422