Acquasol engages support from Origin Energy

Port Augusta Transcontinental
Wednesday 24/1/2007 Page: 5

Acquasol has engaged the support of Origin Energy and Cheetham Salt Limited as strategic partners to help construct a $330 million solar powered desalination plant near Port Augusta. Renowned climatologist and 2006 Adelaide Thinker in Residence Stephen Schneider has also been appointed by the company as the non-executive director.

Port Augusta city manager John Stephens said these developments showed that Acquasol is presenting a convincing solution to climate change and providing alternate energy and water sources. Mr Stephens said that now, more than ever, with strict water restrictions in place and drastic measures such as closing off wetlands along the River Murray being considered, governments needed to be liberal thinking and look at alternative and sustainable ways of water and energy production.

"As a council we are doing what is within our capabilities to make Port Augusta a 'green city'," he said. "We have installed our own waste water recycling plant which waters many of our parks and gardens and have approved the development of a wind farm within our council area as well as lending our strong support to Acquasol for a project that makes a lot of good sense."

Acquasol plans to list on the stock exchange later this year to raise capital funds for the project which, once operation is expected to produce 50MW of concentrating solar power and up to 5.5 gigalitres per year of desalinated water. Salt from the brine by-product will be commercially harvested by Cheetham Salt.