- Virtual Power Plants installed at three schools in Geraldton and one school in Kalbarri
- Technology coming soon to schools in Kalgoorlie and surrounding suburbs
- Regional expansion of School VPPs supported by Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund
The Cook Government's Schools Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Project has reached the halfway mark, with the technology now installed at schools in Geraldton and Kalbarri.
VPPs comprise a network of distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar panels and batteries, feeding into and supporting the electricity network, and are now accessible at:
- Geraldton Senior High School;
- Waggrakine Primary School;
- Champion Bay Senior High School; and
- Kalbarri Regional District High School.
The project is being delivered in partnership between the Department of Education and Synergy, with seven regional schools participating in the project.
VPPs will soon be installed in three more regional schools, including:
- Hannans Primary School;
- Kalgoorlie Primary School; and
- O'Connor Primary School.
Regional expansion of the project is supported by the State Government's Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund.
Further details are available at https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/For-tomorrow/Schools-VPP-Pilot-Project
As stated by Energy Minister Reece Whitby:
"I am pleased to see schools in Geraldton and Kalbarri given access to renewable energy resources through Synergy-installed batteries with their own solar PV systems.
"Regional VPPs will inspire the next generation of energy leaders to explore new possibilities for WA's energy future."
As stated by Education Minister Tony Buti:
"The Virtual Power Plants provide fantastic teaching and learning opportunities for staff and students.
"The Schools VPP Pilot Project will provide learning opportunities related to STEM education, including how energy is produced and used, as well as about technologies that help to create a more sustainable future.
"Schools may also benefit from reduced energy consumption while supporting the electricity networks in Geraldton and Kalbarri."
Comments attributed to Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"Virtual Power Plants installed at Geraldton schools will improve system security, sustainability, and integrate STEM learning opportunities for students to learn about clean energy technology.
"We all have a role to play in reducing our impact on the environment.
"Many Geraldton schools have benefitted from previous rounds of the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund with solar panels installed at Bluff Point Primary School, Rangeway Primary School and Wandina Primary School, with the second round also delivering lighting upgrades at Mount Tarcoola Primary School."
Comments attributed to Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster:
"I'm proud to see VPPs rolled out to several schools, including Kalbarri Regional District High School.
"These renewable energy resources provide opportunities for our local students to learn about the importance of sustainability and making positive changes for the environment, as well as helping reduce energy costs for our schools."
