The $97 million Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program is designed to reduce energy costs across more than 800 state schools through the installation of solar installations and energy efficiency measures.
The ACES program is being delivered over three phases, with Phase 1 well underway and work on the initial 210 state schools announced to benefit from the program in Phase 1 nearing completion.
On 21 May 2020, the Queensland Government announced that solar installations at 80 state schools initially scheduled to be delivered as part of future stages of the program, will now be progressed this financial year.
In addition, the Queensland Government also announced the next 331 state schools to benefit from solar installations as part of Phase 2 of the ACES program and the 253 state schools which will be included in the future phase, Phase 3 of the program.
In total, over 800 state schools will benefit from the ACES program by the end of June 2022.
As one of the Queensland Government's largest energy consumers, state schools spend more than $70 million each year on energy. ACES is reducing energy costs across state schools through the installation of solar systems and other energy efficiency measures.
The department is committed to supporting the Queensland Government's 50 percent renewable energy target in Queensland by 2030.
The original ACES Program will deliver up to 35MW of solar generated electricity, making a significant contribution to the state government's target of 50 per cent renewable energy use by 2030.
The ACES program is expected to deliver a reduction in state school energy costs of up to 20 per cent when fully implemented.
On 27 February 2020, the Queensland Government announced an additional $71.1 million over 3 years to expand solar under the ACES Program as part of the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program from 2020-21 The additional funding is intended to assist in offsetting the energy needs of new air conditioning installations across the state.
The expanded ACES Program will deliver a further 26MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to assist in offsetting the additional energy needs of air conditioners installed across Queensland state schools.
The ACES program is also supporting local businesses and subcontractors to create jobs and assist local economies.
Alexandra Hills State School
Berserker Street State School
Boyne Island State School
Carbrook State School
Coolnwynpin State School
Elanora State School
Hervey Bay State High School
Kawungan State School
Kuranda District State College
Logan City Special School
Tannum Sands State High School
Tewantin State School
Wulguru State School