Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Government’s agency responsible for driving environmental sustainability in Victoria, today confirmed that its CEO, Stan Krpan has resigned to take up a new role as inaugural chief executive officer of Solar Victoria.
Solar Victoria will deliver the Victorian Government’s $1.2 billion Solar Homes package from July 1, 2019 as an entity within the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning reporting to its Secretary and the Minister for Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio.
D’Ambrosio said the Solar Homes package will cut energy costs while boosting supply to the grid and create almost 5,500 new jobs.
Solar Homes will cut Victoria’s carbon emissions by almost four million tonnes – the equivalent of taking one million of Victoria’s 4.6 million cars off the road. Household solar is expected to generate 12.5 per cent of Victoria’s 40 per cent target for renewable energy by 2025.
Solar Victoria will offer Victorians even more rebates for solar panels, solar hot water and battery energy systems as well as no-interest loans.
Sustainability Victoria board chair, Heather Campbell, said Krpan joined Sustainability Victoria in 2012.
“Under Stan’s leadership, Sustainability Victoria delivered Australia’s first state-wide waste infrastructure plan, growing investment in waste and resource recovery infrastructure, market development and education to their highest levels,” Campbell said.
“After the Paris Accord in 2015, Sustainability Victoria forged strong climate change and energy programs to help deliver the government’s net zero carbon target by 2050, including our world first government led climate pledge program, TAKE2, energy efficiency and zero net carbon building programs, community renewable power hubs and of course, Solar Victoria.”
Looking ahead to his new role as CEO of Solar Victoria, Krpan reflected on the opportunity to transform the way Victorians generate residential power from renewable sources and the enormous opportunities for Victoria in the solar revolution.
“The Solar Homes program has received an overwhelming response since its commencement in August 2018,” he said.
“In less than a year since Solar Victoria was established, we have seen the huge demand for household solar energy by Victorians.
"This program is a cornerstone of the Victorian Government’s target to achieve 50 per cent renewable energy in the State by 2030 and to empower Victorians to reduce costs and take control of their energy future.”
Carl Muller, director of corporate services at Sustainability Victoria will act as interim CEO while a full recruitment process is underway.