A revolutionary pilot aimed at making NSW public schools energy sufficient is under way, with the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for the first 25 schools out to tender.

The $20 million Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project will assess the benefits and costs of a large-scale implementation of solar systems and batteries, together with other initiatives that have the potential to reduce demand on the electricity network.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the pilot project supported the efforts of the NSW Government as it worked towards meeting the commitment of net zero emissions by 2050.

“There is more than 8 million square metres of NSW public school roof space and this pilot will allow us to understand how we can use it to support the next generation of renewable energy on a larger scale,” Mr Kean said.

“This $20 million investment will allow us to assess the benefits of the large-scale implementation of solar PV systems and batteries to generate electricity to run our schools but also to store and sell energy back into the grid.”

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the initiative was groundbreaking and exciting, allowing schools to reduce their power bills and their carbon footprint.

“Our public schools are leading the way in student outcomes and soon they could be leading the charge in green energy,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The tender is open to qualified applicants who can design, supply and install the solar PV systems and batteries with work expected to start during the summer school holiday period.”

Businesses can take part in the tender process for the program via tenderlink: https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/

The following schools across metropolitan and regional NSW have been selected to participate in the Pilot Project:

• Black Springs Public School
• Bowral Public School
• Coraki Public School
• Dorrigo Public School
• Duri Public School
• Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School
• Gerogery Public School
• Glenbrook Public School
• Gulgong Public School
• Gymea Technology High School
• Kingswood Public School
• Lake Munmorah Public School
• Lowesdale Public School
• Lyndhurst Public School
• Mandurama Public School
• Nemingha Public School
• Sandon Public School
• Stuart Town Public School
• Vacy Public School
• Walbundrie Public School
• Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre
• Wee Waa Public and High School (combined)
• Werris Creek Public School
• Willow Tree Public School
• Yarrowitch Public School