Sixty NSW public schools will be taking part in the largest school based trial of solar, battery energy and Virtual Power Plant technology in Australia, generating, storing and sharing their own renewable energy with the community.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the trial will help the NSW Government meet its commitment of net zero emissions by 2050.
“We know that solar is one of the best ways to slash the State’s energy bill and emissions,” Mr Kean said.
“Adding cloud-based virtual power plant software means that energy generated on site can be used, stored or shared with other schools or homes via the electricity grid.”
Galston High School is one of the schools selected for this pilot program that will test the most effective ways to harness and deploy renewable energy back to the electricity grid.
Galston High School Principal Karen Shepherd said, “We are very excited our school has been selected to be part of the trial program and look forward to understanding how we can better utilise our roof space to reduce the school’s electricity costs and improve the environment”.
New air conditioning units with smart controls will be installed at the school with the smart energy systems configured to reduce electricity use, particularly during peak periods.
“We are helping educate the next generation on the practical possibilities for renewable energy. I look forward to seeing the trial progress, delivering educational outcomes, along with energy savings”, said Minister Kean.
The solar, batteries and VPP systems will now be installed with work at the school expected to be complete by the middle of 2022.
