New clean energy projects, jobs and investments are on the map

Clean Energy Council
17 October 2008

NATIONAL: The Clean Energy Council today congratulated the federal government on launching the national renewable energy atlas ahead of increasing the renewable energy target to 20% by 2020. The online tool provides comprehensive information on Australia's plentiful renewable energy resources including wind, solar, geothermal, tidal and biomass; as well as a map of transmission infrastructure and other geographic elements.

The Clean Energy Council CEO, Matthew Warren said: "This map is a fantastic resource that will assist both the industry for locating projects and communities seeking to make the most of zero-emission, natural energy sources in their area." Mr Warren said the atlas shows what this industry has been saying for years – Australia has some of the world's best and most diverse clean energy reserves, giving it real potential to become a global clean energy Silicon Valley.

"The clean energy industry is ready to commit billions of dollars of new investment into regional communities, we are just waiting for the federal government to flick the switch," Mr Warren said. "Given the emerging scarcity of global capital, the government will need to move swiftly to drive key infrastructure projects, or risk losing investment offshore. "The rules have changed in the past weeks," he said, "it's crucial we don't allow global credit scarcity to impede Australia assuming its rightful status as a clean energy superpower."

The Clean Energy Council will include the atlas as part of its program at the National Conference and Exhibition on the Gold Coast, 24-26 November 2008.