Solar Cities Program
The Australian Greenhouse Office's $75 million Solar Cities program aims to support sustainable models of electricity supply and use in grid-connected urban centres across Australia.
Support for large-scale trials
The Solar Cities program supports large-scale trials that combine:
- energy efficiency
- solar technologies
- smart meters
- load management
- cost-reflective pricing.
Assessment of results
Results must demonstrate the impact an integrated approach has on:
- electricity supply and demand profiles (in particular peak loads)
- investment in electricity network augmentation
- greenhouse gas emissions intensity
- the physical operation of the electricity system in the region.
Future outcomes
Outcomes of the Solar Cities program are expected to include:
- increased use of distributed solar generation
- implementation of solar technologies, energy efficiency and load management measures
- enhanced technology leadership in the development of photovoltaic systems
- real world use of smart meters
- pricing that reflects costs, so these technologies are appropriately valued.
Victorian Solar Cities
Two Victorian projects have been announced as successful locations under the Federal Government's Solar Cities program:
- Central Victorian Solar Cities project ($15 million funding)
- Coburg Solar Village ($5 million funding).
- photovoltaic installations
- energy efficiency audits and retrofits
- load management trials
- cost-reflective pricing incentives.
Sustainability Victoria is coordinating the Victorian Government's involvement in Solar Cities and will work closely with any successful Victorian consortium to implement their proposals and encourage sustainable energy outcomes in Victoria.
For further Solar Cites program information, visit the Australian Greenhouse Office website (see link below).
For further details please contact us.