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Victorian leadership on renewable energy to deliver higher jobs and lower power prices

The six successful wind and solar projects announced under the Victorian Government’s reverse auction scheme today will deliver a massive boost for jobs and investment in regional Victoria while driving down power prices, the Clean Energy Council said.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the Victorian Government’s support for these projects and a new commitment to 10,000 home battery systems were great examples of political leadership that would drive down electricity costs and put power back into the hands of all Victorians.

“The Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) is providing long-term certainty for investors that is resulting in the lowest cost renewable energy projects. Combined with the recent announcement to support rooftop solar and today’s commitment to 10,000 home battery systems, it is clear the Victorian Government is taking a leadership role on energy policy,” Mr Thornton said.

“Renewable energy such as solar and wind is now the lowest cost power generation that can be built today. As coal-fired power plants continue to retire from the system, the 928 MW of new renewable energy which will be built under the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) will help to push down power prices while creating hundreds of regional jobs and $1.1 billion of investment.

“The Victorian reverse auction scheme is a well-designed policy that will ultimately save consumers money on their bills while providing much-needed certainty for the investors in the three wind farms and three large-scale solar plants announced today.

“Reducing power bills and emissions while securing the reliability of the power supply is achievable, and states like Victoria are showing it can be done with a mix of policies that are ambitious but achievable.

"Our industry is excited to continue working with the state government to transform the economy to one which is smarter and cleaner,” he said.

Please contact Clean Energy Council Media Manager Mark Bretherton on 0413 556 981 for more information or to arrange an interview.