PREMIER Daniel Andrews used a visit to Ararat to announce new renewable energy targets for Victoria on Wednesday.
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The state government has set a target of 25 per cent of total energy coming from renewable energy by 2020.
This will step up to a target of 40 per cent by 2025.
Mr Andrews made the announcement while at the ceremony to celebrate the arrival of the first turbine blade for the Ararat Wind Farm.
He said the announcement would create jobs for Victoria.
“Growing renewable energy means growing jobs, and we want a big boost to both right here in Victoria,” he said.
“The world is shifting to renewable energy, it creates jobs, drives growth, and protects our environment.
“Victorians want to be at the forefront of that.”
Ararat Rural City mayor Paul Hooper said the announcement would provide certainty for the renewable energy industry, including the city’s wind farm operations.
“The premier mentioned the number of wind farms that had permits done, about 18, that will help set a market that makes it the industry much more financially stable and provides certainty,” he said.
“I think it will, whether it has further potential for additional farms in Ararat I don’t know yet.
“But there will be a more focused output for developing renewable technology.
“It provides certainty for the broader industry.”
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio was also in Ararat for the announcement.
She said the new target would create thousands of jobs across the state.
“We’ve developed Victorian renewable energy targets that generate thousands of new jobs, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
“By making our scheme complementary to the Commonwealth’s Renewable Energy Target we are saving the target.
“Investors have lost faith in the national target, but we are restoring the confidence needed to invest.”
Currently renewables provide 14 per cent of the state’s energy.