Gippsland Farmer
February, 2008 Page: 11
Farms and households unable to connect to mains power are eligible for a 50% rebate on the set-up cost of renewable energy systems up to $200,000, under a federal government scheme aimed at increasing the use of renewable generation in remote parts of Australia that presently rely on fossil fuel for electricity supply.
The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) is part of the Australia's Mandatory Renewable Energy Target and gives remote communities and industries access to clean, alternative energy sources like solar, wind and biomass and will reduce the need for expensive transport of fossil fuels to hard-to-reach areas of the country.
The Renewable Energy Water Pumping sub-programme provides rebates for the renewable energy components of water pumps that displace diesel engine powered pumps in off-grid applications.
The RRPGP provides landowners living away from mains grid sources with rebates on the capital cost of solarpower systems, wind turbines, sheds'-for equipment storage, biofuel generation equipment plus essential enabling equipment and services, including design and installation.
Applicants must- prove that either the cost of connecting to the mains electricity grid exceeds $30,000, or that they reside more than 1km from the grid. Equipment used in installations must be brand new and must satisfy a minimum 450 W peak output to obtain the rebate.
The renewable energy water pumping sub-programme provides rebates for business, government and other incorporated organisations, to support the installation of renewable energy water pumping systems in those areas of Australia not close to a main-grid. The sub-programme aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing reliance on diesel fuel for remote water pumping applications. The RRPGP rebate is available for both new renewable generation systems and additions of new equipment to existing systems.
Landowners already connected to mains grid power can apply for rebates on renewable energy systems under the Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) which provides up to $8000 dollars on a new system and $5000 for additions to existing systems. All forms of eligible systems must be designed and installed by a person holding design accreditation from the Business Council for Sustainable Energy or by an appropriately experienced member of the Institute of Engineers Australia.
For more information on applying for rebates, clean energy design and installation, visit www.energymatters.com.au or call 1300 727 151
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