West Australian
Friday 5/12/2008 Page: 49
WA's Pilbara remains on the radar for a major solar energy project, despite the economic downturn, but it is unlikely any of the companies backing feasibility studies will commit until they have a clearer picture of the Federal Government's proposed emissions trading scheme. Woodside Petroleum, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals and Wesfarmers were among the nine WorleyParsons customers that contributed to the cost of a study into a proposed $1 billion, 250 megawatt solar project.
WorleyParsons chief executive John Grill said the participants were reviewing the results of the study and initiating individual feasibility studies for specific locations, but the uncertain economic climate would deter some from moving ahead with the plan. "I think everything is being questioned at the moment in light of the financial crisis, undoubtedly," Mr Grill said. However, the bigger issue was the companies' reluctance to make any major investment decisions without a sound indication of the costs of a proposed carbon trading plan.
"It will be very hard to go forward with one of the projects until these emissions trading rules are sorted out," Mr Grill said. "If the rules are clear and there is certainty, that will at least clear the way for the project to go ahead, because people will be able to do the maths to work out if it's viable or not." WorleyParsons' Advanced Solar Thermal technology collects and focuses solar radiation using parabolic mirrors to heat oil to about 400C. The heat then creates steam to drive turbines and generators. The Pilbara was originally flagged as one of several possible locations, alongside Queensland, South Australia and western NSW.
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