The NSW government has made several major energy funding announcements, including $85 million in funding for clean energy programs.
This includes a $30 million program to enable communities across the State to build their own local clean energy projects.
The projects will use solar, wind and storage technology to power local homes and businesses, and will enable communities to save up to $2,750 per site per year on their energy bills.
“NSW regional communities, including the State’s north coast, will benefit from the jobs and investment opportunities as our State transitions to a more reliable, affordable and modern energy system,” Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy, Ben Franklin, said.
The funding further includes $55 million to help the private sector develop and accelerate clean energy technology for regional communities, such as pumped hydro.
“The NSW Government is lowering barriers for investment for the emerging energy projects of tomorrow,” Minister for Energy and Utilities, Don Harwin, said.
“These projects will help regional communities make the most of their energy resources, while also helping to further boost NSW’s energy security.”
Prior to the renewables funding announcement, the NSW government also announced a $72 million allocation for energy efficiency measures.
The energy efficiency measures include $24.5 million for upgrades to more than 20,000 rental homes to enable low-income renters to benefit from energy efficient lighting, heating, and hot water systems.
There is also $35 million to help businesses reduce energy costs, including assistance for around 250 manufacturing businesses to install energy efficient equipment, such as upgraded boilers, refrigeration and metering technology to help track their energy use.
“These energy bill relief measures are part of the NSW Government’s continuing efforts to help families and businesses with energy costs,” NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, said these equipment upgrades will help manufacturers save on average $80,000 a year on their energy bills. In addition, around 1300 businesses will be provided with energy advice and training.
There is also $12.5 million to help local councils upgrade 60,000 street lights with LEDs. This will lead to around $22 million in energy bill savings by 2035.
NSW Environment Minister, Gabrielle Upton, said the initiatives will improve the environment and ease the cost of living by improving energy efficiency and providing bill relief for households and businesses.
“These measures deliver real, tangible benefits for NSW households and businesses and our environment,” Ms Berejiklian said.
