The Andrews Labor Government is creating new jobs for Victorians as part of the state’s nation-leading transition to renewable energy.

Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today opened a new round of funding for a flagship energy employment program which benefits communities, businesses and industry and has already created hundreds of jobs.

Round six of the New Energy Jobs Fund (NEJF) will invest $1 million for Victorian-based projects that create long-term jobs, increase renewable energy uptake and innovation and slash emissions.

The Labor Government’s$20 million NEJF program maximises investment and employment opportunities for local energy projects to ensure Victoria stays competitive and innovative into the future.

This latest round of funding is targeting projects that increase the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, create and support renewable energy jobs in Victoria, utilise local skills and services and deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to communities and businesses in Victoria.

Projects under Round Six can include a variety of feasibility studies, business cases and implementation-ready capital works projects.

Eligible applicants include commercial-for-profit, not-for-profits, local government organisations and State Government Statutory Authorities.

Previous rounds of NEJF have installed the equivalent to approximately 300 households worth of rooftop solar, the energy from which is powering local community buildings and services, with 614 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage.

For example, projects funded under Round 5 include the Totally Renewable Yackandandah Community Battery, the Walwa Bush Nursing Centre’s solar battery ‘Energy Resilience Node’ and the Barwon Solar Schools project.

The NEJF is a key component the Government’s plan to halve emissions by 2030 while boosting new jobs across the state.

Applications for NEJF Round Six close Tuesday, 9 August 2022. To apply or learn more about the program, visit: business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio

“From the rooftop solar boom to our emerging offshore wind energy sector, Victoria is leading Australia in developing new jobs for a net-zero world.”

“This Fund has already created ongoing jobs across Victoria and will continue to drive innovation as we halve emissions by 2030.”