EOIs sought for provision of renewable energy in NSW schools
Proposals are being sought from energy market specialists on how to finance, deliver and operate renewable energy solutions across NSW public schools.
The NSW Government are calling for EOIs for the final stage of their Smart Energy School Pilot Project which is testing the most cost-effective and efficient way to deploy renewable energy in NSW public schools.
Solar and battery energy storage systems and air conditioning units with smart controls have been installed at 24 schools taking part in the first stage of the Smart Energy Schools Pilot project.
About 1,900 solar panels have been installed at the schools and are connected to battery energy systems capable of storing 950 kilowatt hours of electricity.
The systems are helping to reduce electricity cost by more than $14,000 each month across the 24 schools.
Tenders have now been awarded and site inspections have started at the 29 schools taking part in stage two of the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Project.
The site survey will help confirm the final designs and location of the solar and battery systems, in consultation with each school. The installation work at most schools will begin over the summer holiday period and continue into 2023.
Once the work is complete, the schools will then roll into the Virtual Power Plant Trial.
Expressions of interest are opening soon for stage three of the program.
Proposals could include the installation of solar and battery systems on some or all schools, as well as other behind the meter energy solutions like management of electric vehicle charging and the operation of a VPP.
They could also include models – known as Power Purchase Agreements, where roof space is leased to a third party, which is then responsible for financing, installing and maintaining the renewable energy systems over their lifetime.
Proponents are being asked to submit non-binding proposals, which will then be shortlisted and considered for a final selection process, subject to a decision from the NSW Government.
Non-binding proposals received during the EOI will be shortlisted in early 2023.
The short-listed proposals will be considered as part of a potential future large-scale roll-out across the NSW public school asset portfolio.
