South Australia is ramping up its commitment to clean energy and storage technology with another big battery and big solar farm, which will create jobs and reduce power bills.
The environment think tank the Climate Council has welcomed today’s clean jobs announcement from the South Australian government, which will create more than 800 clean jobs, with the construction of South Australia’s largest solar farm and the state’s fifth grid-scale battery.
“We’re committed to building what matters, using our budget to drive jobs and growth to recover from COVID-19,” said state Liberal-National government Minister for Energy Dan van Holst Pellekaan.
“We’re thrilled that 810 new jobs will be created to build the Cultana Solar Farm and Playford Battery which will supply power to the South Australian government.
”ZEN Energy won the new contract after a rigorous process,to supply power to the state government through to 2030.”
“This is an excellent announcement, providing South Australians with cheaper, cleaner power, and hundreds of jobs,” said Climate Councillor and energy expert, Andrew Stock
“It will ensure South Australia continues its progress towards net 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and demonstrates outstanding leadership,” Mr Stock added.
“Policies like these, will pay long-term dividends and set South Australia up for the future by creating jobs, bolstering the economy and tackling climate change simultaneously,” he said.
“The projects will also bring down South Australia’s wholesale power prices, which are already some of the lowest in Australia,” said Mr Stock.
“The 280MW solar farm at Cultana near Whyalla and 100MW battery near Port Augusta will help to strengthen local economies in those regions,” he said.
“South Australia is already sourcing over half of its electricity from wind and solar and is home to Australia’s largest battery,” said Mr Stock.
This announcement comes after economic modeling from the Climate Council found that 7000 direct jobs can be created in South Australia, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
“South Australia is a leader, both in Australia and internationally, on clean energy and storage, securing a cleaner, safer, and more affordable future for Australians,” he said.
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