Presented by Energy Matters team member Virginia, we take a look at some of the stories from Australia and around the world recently added to our renewable energy news section.
In this episode, Virginia covers the Queensland Government’s Solar Kindergarten Installation Program, a report advising the ACT Government to reduce the solar feed in tariff rate for new connections, a partnership between the Australian Solar Institute and a major European solar research organisation and the NSW Greens proposal for three 200 megawatt solar thermal power stations for the state.
In this episode:
– The Queensland state government has announced plans to put solar systems on the roofs of up to 400 kindergartens as part of its $5.76 million Solar Kindergarten Installation Program. Education Minister Cameron Dick said the rollout of the program would begin in April this year with systems to be installed in 166 Kindergarten facilities. Read more.
– After conducting a report on solar feed in tariff rates, the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission has recommended that the ACT lowers its rate from 45.7c to 39c for new connections. Due to increased production of solar panels and the high Australian exchange rate, the Commission says that those installing new solar systems will be no worse off under the amended feed in tariff rate. Read more.
– The Australian Solar Institute has announced a partnership with leading European solar research organization, Deutches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt. The research and development partnership will focus on the development of concentrated solar power technologies. Read more.
– As part of their state election campaign, the NSW Greens have announced plans to build three new 200 megawatt solar thermal power stations. The party said the facilities would protect household power bills from the ever increasing cost of coal production. The initiative is predicted to create about 4,500 jobs for the state, with more expected if components are manufactured in Australia. Read more.
