The government in the Australian state of Victoria is expanding its renewable energy resources by putting facilities in the hands of indigenous groups.
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in central Victoria said it would slash emissions and save on power costs due to two solar-battery and storage projects funded by the state.
Under the A$1.1 million ($800,000) Traditional Owner Renewable Energy Program, the community installed two integrated solar energy generation and storage systems.
The renewable energy system reduces carbon emissions by 45 tonnes per year.
“We’re supporting Aboriginal communities to harness renewable energy, save money on bills and help meet our goal of halving the state’s emissions by 2030,” state energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.
The programme is designed to support Aboriginal participation and adoption of new energy technologies, boost skills and help fuel a clean energy-driven economic recovery with grants of up to $100,000 available, the government said.
The move follows the integration of Aboriginal groups into the state’s climate change policy.
“We know that climate change means a warmer, drier climate with hotter days, harsher fire seasons and less overall but more intense rainfall, and more extreme weather events including storms and flooding,” D’Ambrosio said.
“We are continuing to work with industry and communities to tackle the impacts of climate change and build climate resilience.”
- George Russell
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