Katherine High School will be among the first NT schools seeing a brighter future with the roll out of the $5 million Rooftop Solar program starting soon.
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Announced in November last year, the NT Government initiative will be delivered to 25 schools over three years and is anticipated to save some of them up to 40 per cent of their energy costs.
Minister for education, Selena Uibo said the installation of solar panels will enable schools to redirect savings into resources that will enhance student's education.
"Additionally, the solar systems themselves will enhance children's learning," she said.
"They will include monitoring and measurement equipment, which will facilitate innovative school-based educational projects and inspire our next generation of engineers and scientists to advance renewable energy solutions."
The Rooftop Solar in Schools Program is part of the Government's Roadmap to Renewables Plan, which aims to transition to the Top End to 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
Tenders have been awarded for installation at five schools including; Casuarina Secondary College being the first, as well as Nightcliff Primary School, Palmerston College and Sanderson Middle School.
Dale Wakefield, minister for renewables, energy and essential services, said the roll out is a step in the right direction to the NT becoming the "renewables capital of Australia".
"Just last week, Singapore's Sun Cable announced plans to power one third of the island nation by building the world's biggest solar farm in the Territory, which will create 1300 jobs for Territorians.
"Construction is also underway on the $40 million, 25MW Katherine Solar Farm project, and twin $43 million, 10MW solar farms at Batchelor and Manton Dam, which, when all are completed by the end of 2019, will mean the Territory is powered by 10 per cent renewable energy.
"The $5M Rooftop Solar in Schools program is also an important part of our Roadmap to Renewables plan, to not only save schools money, but to equip our Territory students with the skills they need to maximise the job opportunities the clean energy sector will bring."
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