1 Million Wind Power Jobs

 

In these somewhat gloomy economic times, the renewable energy sector continues to be a hotbed of activity and offers the promise of playing an integral part of stimulating economies.

International finance group Credit Suisse has estimated that worldwide energy demand is expected to increase 50% by 5050. Given the rapidly increasing demand, the alternative energy sector is currently experiencing double digit growth, mostly within the wind power and solar energy industries. While these source only constitute a small portion of the total renewable energy market today - just over 7%,  some expect wind and solar to contribute more than 25% to renewable energy by 2030. 

Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, the secretary general of the Global Wind Energy Council said that regardless of the current financial crisis, one million people will be employed in the global wind-power industry by the end of the decade, up from 400,000 today. According to some projections, up to 3 million people could be employed within the industry by 2050.

The wind power sector maintained a near 30% annual growth rate in 2008 and while some vexing challenges are needed to be overcome due to the current economic environment, such as the availability of financing for the construction of wind farms, the sector is overall confident for continued success this year.

The coal industry often laments the loss of jobs if a phase out of the heavily polluting fossil fuel technology were undertaken and uses that point aggressively as a means of protecting their sector, but as  was demonstrated in the case with the computer revolution where many also feared mass unemployment, it's simply the type of jobs that will change. The renewable energy sector is providing workers from a variety of trades the opportunity of re-skilling and has the capacity to provide many millions of people with fulfilling work in a green industry.

Buyers Groups Saving Big On Solar Energy

 

With the $8000 solar power rebate for households with incomes under $100,000 ending in less than 6 months, then to be replaced by the solar credits program, increasing numbers of solar buyers groups are being formed in order to get the best deal for their members on grid connected solar energy systems.

The Weekly Times has reported on 2 such buyers groups cleaning up thanks to their increased purchasing power of bulk ordering. One group is Murchison Goes Solar, which is allowing their members to procure systems for just a $100 deposit. 

The other group is Strathfieldsaye Community Enterprise Solar Rooftops program. Energy Matters was selected by the SDCE as the supplier and installer of the systems based on cost and capacity to meet demand generated by the group.

In addition to saving on solar power systems, members of a solar buyers group can also further offset the investment by taking advantage of feed in tariffs; where system owners are paid a premium rate for electricity exported to the mains grid. Feed in tariffs levels and conditions vary from state to state, with the ACT offering the most generous program to be launched in March, offering a rate of 44c per kilowatt produced and based on a gross model. 

The Australian government is currently considering a nationalised, uniform feed in tariff program and many supporters are pushing for an 80c per kilowatt minimum  gross model, emulating Germany's program which has been highly successful in stimulating the country's renewable energy sector and decreasing electricity related household greenhouse gas emissions.

News for Tuesday 20 January, 2009

 

• Suntech To Supply Solar Panels For Masdar City
  


• Electric Cadillac Incorporates Solar Power
  

View all news for Tuesday 20 January, 2009 on one page

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