Regional solar centre planned

Northern Times
Friday 12/10/2007 Page: 5

About $10 million is expected to be invested in a project to be completed over the next two years at Bridgewater. A solar energy research and development facility will be developed by Solar Systems on land at the corner of Cemetery Road and the Calder Highway.

While the planning application has not yet been approved, Solar Systems managing director Dave Holland said the company has received some very detailed and positive feedback from the local community. We are very hopeful the planning application will be approved," he said. "We've spoken to (Loddon Shire Council) and the State Government." Mr Holland said the company expects to commence construction if and when the planning application is approved.

That could take one month or several months - if the application is approved in November then we will start construction in November," he said. Solar Systems finished consultation with the Bridgewater community on Saturday. The first phase of the project will see a one hectare field of heliostats and a tower up to 35 metres high plus the installation of the facility support infrastructure. The second phase involves the construction of a two hectare field of mirrors and a tower up to 75 metres high.

The facility will be used for ongoing technical testing and technology optimisation. Mr Holland said it is expected that about seven full time staff will be based at the facility in the long run". The site will probably be operating and producing power by mid next year," Mr Holland said. Bridgewater was reportedly chosen from a number of potential sites. We wanted to source our power from the other side of the (Great Dividing Range) but, because we will have staff commuting from Melbourne,we didn't want to be too far away," he said. Solar Systems bought the land privately.

State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings announced the project, and a $22 million solar manufacturing plant to be built in Melbourne. The two projects will establish Australia and, in particular, Victoria as a world player in the rapidly growing solar energy market," Mr Jennings said. This investment clearly demonstrates that renewable energy technology is good for Victoria's economy, as well as the environment." Solar Systems managing director, Dave Holland said Australia is a world leader in renewable energy technologies.

This announcement demonstrates Australia's ability to lead in the research and development, commercialisation and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies," he said. Mr Jennings said the two projects would stimulate growth in the sector. "The Victorian Government recognised the significance of this project in October when we provided $50 million for it," he said.

Mr Jennings said the Brumby Government is committed to securing Victoria's energy future, whilst maximising industry competitiveness, creating job opportunities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our Energy Technology Innovation Strategy has been very successful in driving the development of new energy technologies such as the Solar Systems $420 million large-scale solar power station," he said. We expect to see increased investment in renewable energy in the coming years as electricity retailers begin to purchase 10 per cent of their energy from renewable sources by 2016." Mr Holland said Solar Systems is "very much" looking forward to commencing work on the project.