Throwing light on our solar future

Ballarat Courier
Tuesday 17/6/2008 Page: 2

SOLAR maps of Victoria and Queensland will be developed to identify where large-scale solar power plants could be built in both states. The project, similar to wind mapping, will pinpoint the best sites for producing solar thermal energy based on landscape and access to the power grid. Victorian Premier John Brumby and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh yesterday announced a joint $680,000 for the solar atlases after they attended a solar business forum in the United States.

Mr Brumby said early investigations showed Victoria had the potential for a solar industry, particularly in the state's north-west, the site of a planned $420 million solar plant. "solar power is a potentially limitless resource, crucial to tackling climate change and to meeting our energy needs into the future," he said. The alliance between Victoria and Queensland will allow us to pool our resources to help ensure both states capture the benefits from establishing a solar thermal industry in Australia."