Labor MP Ged Kearney pledges solar farm money for global warming
A $5 million investment will fast track a leading university’s plan to become carbon neutral and the installation of almost 7000 solar panels. And it’s just the start of their fight against climate change.
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A plan for Victoria’s first emissions-free university has received a power boost with a commitment to fast-track the installation of almost 7000 solar panels.
La Trobe University leaders have a plan for the institution to become carbon neutral by 2029.
The solar installation is due to start later this year and Cooper federal Labor MP Ged Kearney announced a future federal Labor government would spend $5 million to fast track the plans.
The 6,775 solar panels would stretch 17 kilometres end to end and cover the grass of the MCG.
At their peak the solar farm would supply up to half of the campus’ daily power usage.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar said the commitment would accelerate plans to become carbon neutral.
“We’ve already been quietly making substantial progress. Almost 3000 solar panels have been installed on rooftops at regional campuses in Shepparton, Bendigo and Albury Wodonga, and are already reducing emissions,” he said.
Ms Kearney said she was proud to represent an area acting on climate change.
“From solar panels at La Trobe, to increasing our tree canopy and cleaning up Merri and Darebin Creeks, I’m committed to delivering real action to tackle the climate emergency,” she said.
The university reduced its greenhouse emissions more than 14 per cent from 2010 to 50,119 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2017.
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The university uses a natural gas fired cogeneration plant to generate electricity for the campus.
La Trobe is also undergoing a retrofitting program to improve energy efficiency and all new buildings have a minimum 5 star green star energy rating.
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