Brilliant Energy At Local Schools

Sandgate State School recently had 108 solar panels installed as part of the Queensland Government's Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program.

Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said the program was helping reduce energy costs to Queensland Schools.

It is also helping to create valuable jobs in the renewables industry right here in Sandgate,� Stirling said.

The Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program is installing a virtual solar farm atop of Queensland schools and contributing enough solar generated electricity to power 25,000 homes.

This will save Queensland schools $70 million each year on energy costs.�

Principal of Sandgate State School Angela Bell said the savings would assist the school to redirect costs straight to students.

In 2020, our school spent over $35,000 on electricity, so it's really exciting we'll be able to redirect that money straight back into learning,� Angela said.

Under the program, teachers will also gain access to the Solar Schools website, which provides curriculum programs to get students learning about the environment and renewable energy.�

The program will deliver a contribution of approximately 61.4 megawatts (MW) of solar to Queensland's 50 per cent renewable energy sources goal by 2030 to reduce emissions, address climate change, create new jobs, and diversify the economy.

The program will continue to be rolled out across the 4017 with Brighton State and Shorncliffe State Schools already completed, and work to commence on Bracken Ridge State High, Bracken Ridge State and Sandgate District State High Schools soon.