With long-term energy policy uncertain at the federal level, it’s the state and territory governments that are leading the way in Australia’s energy sector.
Victoria is leading the charge and last week the Andrews Government announced a new agency, Solar Victoria, to support the roll out of a $1.3 billion Solar Homes program that will support the installation of solar in 710,000 homes over ten years. The means-tested program will provide up to $2250 for new solar PV systems and up to $1000 for replacement solar water heaters.
The Queensland government last week announced the establishment of a new solar battery safety framework in advance of its plan to offer interest-free loans and grants to drive battery storage. The assistance package will provide interest-free loans of up to $10,000 over ten years for a combined solar and battery system, as well as a battery grant of $3000.
In South Australia the Marshall Government has committed to providing $100 million for grants of up to $2500 for battery systems as well as a virtual power plant based on up to 50,000 solar and battery systems.
In Western Australia the government is considering reforms to drive wider use of microgrids, which are ideally suited to large, sparsely populated areas that suffer from unreliable electricity supply.
In New South Wales the government has so far kept its powder dry, but announcements are expected in coming months as the state election approaches.
We will continue watching with interest and working with the states and territories as they continue to drive the adoption of renewable energy across Australia.
