Victoria launches consultation for renewables program

Consultation on the design of Victoria’s renewable energy auction scheme has commenced as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s (Australia) drive towards its renewable energy targets.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has urged businesses and the community to have their say on the process, which will help deliver Victoria’s renewable energy generation targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.

The consultation process will seek feedback on the design of major aspects of the scheme such as its structure, contractual arrangements, cost recovery mechanisms and auction evaluation principles.

As part of the scheme, the Labor Government will hold a series of auctions which will call on industry to bring forward bids requesting support to build new renewable energy capacity in Victoria.

Funding will be awarded via long-term contracts, between the scheme administrator and successful parties, for projects demonstrating the best value for money for Victorians.

Based on current generation and demand forecasts, this would involve the Government auctioning up to 5,400 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity over the life of the scheme.

Feedback will be sought through written submissions, made to renewable.energy@delwp.vic.gov.au and  series of workshops will be held this month across the state.

A consultation paper to guide stakeholders has been released and is available online: http://www.energyandresources.vic.gov.au/energy/sustainable-energy/victorias-renewable-energy-targets

 Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio, said:

“The Andrews Labor Government has set ambitious renewable energy targets to create jobs, stimulate economic development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are looking for input from the community and business on the design of our renewable energy auction scheme which will help us reach our targets.”

“We want to be in a leading position as the world transitions to renewable energy to promote Victorian jobs and the economy, while reducing our emissions.”