ACT solar farm sparks interest - Industry in talks over $30m subsidised plant plan

Sunday Canberra Times
Sunday 5/4/2009 Page: 7

THE ACT Government will call for expressions of interest next month on a solar farm capable of providing energy for 10,000 households. The plant which will have a capacity of at least 22MW will receive an ACT Government subside of $30 million. The plant would be one of the largest renewable energy plants in Australia. Consultations with industry have already taken place on the proposed plant.

Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury said he was told there was a high level of interest in the consultations. It attracted significant attention from industry in and outside the ACT," he said. The establishment of a renewable energy plant and the $30 million subsidy were part of the ALP platform at the last election and was a key feature of the agreement with the Greens that allowed the ALP to continue in power. "It is now up to the Government to come up with terms that will attract industry to invest," Mr Rattenbury said.

He said many of the industry concerns related to questions such as the availability of land and planning issues. The decision to establish a solar farm was taken because other renewable energy sources such as wind energy and water were not practical in the ACT, Mr Rattenbury said. Energy Minister Simon Corbell confirmed the Government was proceeding with the project.

"The ACT Government will soon be calling for expressions of interest for an ACT solar farm following a recent successful industry consultation session. The Government has already pledged $30 million for the project, but how that will be spent has not yet been decided," he said. "This project will further the ACT's goal to become the solar capital of Australia," the minister said.

If the plant provides power for 10,000 homes then this will be 8% of homes in the ACT. Mr Rattenbury said so far the agreement with the ALP seemed to be working well with the five Green MLAs working with various ministers on its implementation. The agreement included specific recommendations on a range of subjects such as lifting the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources to 15% by 2012 and 25% by 2020.

Mr Rattenbury said the Greens were also seeking the development of an energy plan for the territory so proposals such as the ACTE'V AGL plan for a new gas generation plant could be discussed in the context of the need for energy security, costs and the need to reduce greenhouse gases. On the issue of transport the Greens are encouraging the Government to ensure a 30-minute bus frequency is maintained during shoulder periods (either side of peak times) to encourage those travelling to and from work to use buses. The agreement also includes policies in areas such as housing, education and waste.