Earlier this month we covered a story on The Australian Government’s RRPGP (Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme) being under threat.
The Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme, not to be confused with the $8,000 residential solar power grid connect rebate, provides up to a 50% rebate on off grid solar power and wind energy systems. This scheme has encouraged many rural Australians to ditch or lessen their dependence on emissions intensive fossil fuel based power generators in favour of renewable energy.
According to Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) representatives at a recent meeting; funding has almost dried up for the RRPGP and whether the program will secure a new round of funding in the May budget is very much up in the air.
Further adding to the uncertainty; Olga Galacho stated in her Herald Sun column today that a spokesman for Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the funds were finite, but the government was considering other measures to support remote renewable energy. No further details were provided as to what those other measures might be.
Ms. Galacho further questioned the government’s motivations and dedication to renewable energy for remote areas, citing the recent announcement of a government funded solar power plant for Detroit Diesel – a company that is one of the main suppliers of diesel generators to remote areas. Ms. Galacho believes that if subsidies for remote solar and wind power grid dry up, Detroit Diesel can expect demand for their “polluting generators” to increase.
