Melbourne’s Entire Tram Network to Go Solar, and Soon

In a few years Melbourne’s tram network – the biggest in the world – could be powered by Victoria’s first large-scale solar plant. The plan was announced by the Andrews government today.

The plant, to be built in regional Victoria (the exact location was not specified), is slated to be up and running by the end of 2018.

About half of the power produced by the plant will be linked to the tram network. By moving the network from conventionally generated electricity to solar, there will be a reduction of more than 80,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, according to the government.

The initiative is part of a plan to make sure Victoria meets its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The government also says the initiative will create 300 new jobs.

The Greens welcomed the announcement, which matches the party’s own policy, but said the initiative sent mixed messages about renewable energy given the Andrews government has cut solar feed-in tariffs, according to the Guardian.

This article was updated on January 20.