Solar Energy

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (9 May 2018).

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment): I have been advised:

There is continued strong investment in renewable energy in South Australia, and the government does not accept the contention raised in the question.

The government is undertaking detailed design of our $100 million election commitment to deliver 40,000 home batteries. This will provide enormous benefits to South Australian households, the grid, and the renewable energy sector.

I can confirm that the government will honour all contracts in relation to the Tesla virtual power plant. This includes the trial phases of the virtual power plant which will install home energy systems on 1,100 South Australian Housing Trust homes between now and July 2019. The program is proceeding as planned. Phase three of the program would see a further 24,000 home energy systems installed on South Australian Housing Trust homes, as well as an additional 25,000 systems on·private residences, and requires Tesla to secure private finance for the proposal.