WA businesses to help build schools’ renewable energy future

  • Rooftop solar and batteries to be installed at seven schools in Geraldton, Kalbarri and Kalgoorlie
  • WA-first VPPs will support the State's renewable energy transformation
  • State Government's commitment to Schools VPP Pilot Project totals $8.8 million 

Synergy has signed contracts with two Western Australian companies to supply rooftop solar systems and battery storage as part of the Schools Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Pilot Project regional expansion.

The $8.8 million Schools VPP Pilot Project is being delivered in partnership between the Department of Education and Synergy over two stages at 17 schools.

Design, supply, installation and commissioning of batteries and solar systems will be delivered by Balance Services Group at three schools in Kalgoorlie, and Hybrid Systems Australia at three schools in Geraldton and one school in Kalbarri.

The WA-first VPPs will help better manage each school's electricity consumption and will play a role in improving system security.

A VPP is a network of energy resources, such as rooftop solar panels and batteries, which are combined and shared with Synergy to feed into the network in the same way as a traditional power station.

The first 10 metropolitan and regional schools to be transformed into smart and flexible VPPs as part of stage one reached full operation in June.

Installation for stage two of the Schools VPP Pilot Project will commence in early 2023 at the following schools:

  • Champion Bay Senior High School, City of Geraldton;
  • Geraldton Senior High School, City of Geraldton;
  • Hannans Primary School, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder;
  • Kalbarri District High School, Shire of Northampton;
  • Kalgoorlie Primary School, City Kalgoorlie-Boulder;
  • O'Connor Primary School, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder; and
  • Waggrakine Primary School, City of Geraldton. 

Funding for the regional expansion of the Schools VPP Pilot Project is part of the Schools Clean Energy Technology Fund, with the State Government investing $8.8 million in the program.

For more information, visit https://www.synergy.net.au/Our-energy/For-tomorrow/Schools-VPP-Pilot-Project

State
WA