Solar Power & Battery Storage Tender For NSW Schools

• NSW is making available more than 8 million m² rooftop space for solar and storage projects
• It will be available across 2,200 public schools representing space equivalent to around 500 Sydney Cricket Grounds
• Through an EOI, it is looking for renewable energy service providers to help finance and operate these systems under a PPA

The State Government of Australia's New South Wales is offering more than 8 million m² space on the roofs of its public schools to be equipped with solar with an aim to harness the power potential of its schools. The solar systems are planned to include battery energy storage systems (BESS).

The rooftop space will be available across 2,200 schools, representing space equivalent to around 500 Sydney Cricket Grounds. "We have to be smart about how we finance and operate these resources, so we maximize the financial returns for NSW and help make the electricity system more secure," said NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Matt Kean.

The expression of interest (EOI) is open to companies that can offer ways to finance and operate the systems under a power purchase agreement (PPA). This EOI will enable them to register for the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Project that has been running since May 2022.

The pilot project is testing solar and battery storage systems and the feasibility to operate these as a virtual power plant at 60 public schools in NSW.

"We want to reduce our state's carbon emissions, cut school electricity costs and help students to learn more about renewable energy, and these programs are an exciting opportunity for schools to benefit from renewable energy technology," added NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell. "NSW Public Schools have the roof space and it is a no brainer that we look at how we can start utilizing that space to benefit NSW energy market."

Interested renewable energy service providers can send in non-binding proposals in response to the EOI launched, to the state government's tender website https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/. Shortlisted proposals will be announced in early 2023.