Programs promote cleaner power

Australian
Wednesday 13/5/2009 Page: 11

NEW technologies will be commercialised, jobs created and households encouraged to save money by cutting carbon emissions through new clean energy programs announced last night. The Government will invest $3.5 billion in new funding on top of $1 billion already allocated on its clean energy initiative.

The budget says the funds will support clean technologies and industries, and assist with efforts to lower the nation's carbon emissions as well as stimulating economic activity in a sector that will support thousands of new green-collar jobs. The budget builds on the Energy Efficient Homes Package announced as part of the second stimulus plank in February, investing $100 million to encourage a smarter and more efficient network and $64.6 million to streamline existing measures.

The Government says the package will improve homes' energy ratings, cut waste and help households save up to 40% on electricity bills. The National Energy Efficiency Initiative will build on this through developing a smart-grid energy network that will combine broadband with intelligent grid technology and smart meters in homes. The Government hopes this will allow for a better integration of renewable energy sources.

The vast majority of funding from the clean energy initiative will go towards carbon capture and storage programs under a CCS Flagships program. The Government will spend $1.5 billion over six years on a Solar Flagships program, hoping to develop up to four projects to demonstrate solar generation at a capacity of up to 1000MW.

The Government will also establish the independent Renewables Australia with an initial funding of $465 million over four years to support the development, commercialisation and deployment of renewable technologies.