Victoria opens solar, battery, energy efficiency grants to community groups

Victoria’s Andrews Labor government this week rolled out $1.3 million worth of grants for community organisations across the state designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste, with another $1.8 million now available for clean energy projects.

Community organisations can apply for up to $50,000 through the Community Climate Change and Energy Action program for use in upgrading heating and cooling, installing shading, insulation, double glazing, lighting, and renewable energy installations like rooftop solar panels and battery storage.

Victorian minister for energy, Lily D’Ambrosio, announced the grants on Monday as part of a tour of two community organisation among 171 across the state that will receive a share of $1.25 million designed to help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Your Community Health in Darebin received a grant of $16,300 to help install 79 solar panels, while the Richmond Community Garden Group received a grant of $9,000 to install a new solar system.

The 171 grants, amounting to $1.3 million, are expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,700 tonnes and save around $343,000 in annual power bills.

“Whether it’s finding new ways to reduce waste or cutting energy bills, these grants support our vital community organisations and play a crucial role in reducing emissions and accelerating our transition to a circular economy,” said D’Ambrosio.

“These two programs are already having an impact, creating jobs, helping community groups cut costs and contributing to a cleaner, greener Victoria,” the minister added, referring to the second round of clean energy grants worth $1.8 million as well as the $3.1 million in grants to help social enterprises, not-for-profits, and community groups can develop smarter ways to use resources.

“The projects made possible as a result of these grants help us move towards a circular economy and will help us reach our ambitious target of halving emissions by 2030.”