Australia’s second-most populous state has proposed a new law that would require 40% of its power needs to be generated by renewable energy by 2025.
Victoria also launched a 650MW renewable energy auction, which the government expects to spur up to A$1.3bln ($1bln) of investment in the sector.
At the national level, Australia’s Liberal-National coalition government has not proposed any new energy targets beyond 2020, when the country is expected to generate around 23.5% of its power from renewable sources.
Victoria, currently governed by the Labor party, said the introduction of its new legislation this week would mark the first time an individual state has gone it alone and enshrined its own target into law.
The government has also announced the results of a tender to build 138MW worth of new solar parks to power Melbourne’s tram network. The winners are the 100MW Bannerton and 38MW Numurkah projects near Robinvale and Shepparton, respectively.
“More renewable energy means more jobs for Victorians – that’s why we’re setting these ambitious targets and promoting investment in this growing sector,” Victorian premier Daniel Andrews said.
“Renewable energy creates jobs, drives growth, and protects our environment – and most importantly, helps drive down power prices for Victorian households and businesses.”
The legislation also sets a renewabels generation target for 2020 of 25%.
Image: Victoria’s Macarthur wind farm (Vestas)
