The State Government is set to introduce a $97 million Advanced Clean Energy Schools Program, commonly know as ACES, that will focus on solar energy in schools around Queensland. With plans set to see $40 million of its funding spent on a solar photovoltaic system and the remaining $57million on improving the energy efficiency of its schools. It is estimated that 42 schools around the Gold Coast are set to enjoy an upgrade which will help their annual power bills which are currently estimated at $50 million dollars across their state schools.
The ACES program is set to save a massive $10.2 million a year according to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and will play a leading role in meeting their 2030 renewable energy target by making up a significant 50%. A careful school selection strategy will be introduced in order to ensure the upgrades are given to those deemed the most necessary. A schools energy consumption and the number of student enrolments will be top priority along with supplier availability. The use of local suppliers will be greatly encouraged throughout the tender process.
Schools such as Biggera Waters, Commera Rivers and Palm Beach State will be among those included in the ACES program with a full list noted below. The State Government is demonstrating to both its students and neighbouring states that it believes in the advances of solar energy. The programs costs may seem drastic however it is set to save state schools a fortune on their power bills for the years to come. As stated by Palaszczuk “Our state schools are among the government’s largest energy users” therefore we find the change both necessary and commendable.
- Biggera Waters State School
- Coombabah State School
- Burleigh Heads State School
- Caningeraba State School
- Palm Beach State School
- Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School
- Varsity College
- Cedar Creek State School
- Coomera Rivers State School
- Coomera Springs State School
- Norfolk Village State School
- Ormeau State School
- Ormeau Woods State High School
- Pimpama State Primary College
- Pimpama State School
- Pimpama State Secondary College
- Woongoolba State School
- Coolangatta State School
- Currumbin State School
- Currumbin Valley State School
- Elanora State High School
- Elanora State School
- Tallebudgera State School
- Nerang State High School
- Nerang State School
- Pacific Pines State High School
- Pacific Pines State School
- William Duncan State School
- Worongary State School
- Broadbeach State School
- Merrimac State High School
- Miami State High School
- Miami State School
- Robina State School
- Ashmore State School
- Bellevue Park State School
- Benowa State High School
- Benowa State School
- Keebra Park State High School
- Queensland Academy for Health Sciences
- Southport State School
- Surfers Paradise State School
