Here’s a brief roundup of South Australia’s 2016-17 State Budget in relation to renewable energy.
The Budget includes the previously announced $500,000 to go towards a $1 million+ feasibility study to examine options for enhanced energy interconnection with the Eastern states.
This is with view to ensuring the state can source more baseload power when it’s needed and also enable it to export more renewable energy to other markets.
The study will be carried out by ElectraNet, which says some initial groundwork indicates a new interconnector will be economically feasible.
Premier Jay Weatherill said Australia needed a truly national energy market that supports renewables rather than punishes it.
“All Australian consumers would benefit from greater interconnection because it would create more competition between wholesale suppliers,” he stated.
“Renewable energy is providing the high tech jobs of the future, and is helping South Australia transition to a low carbon economy.”
Also announced was an investment of $3.6 million dollars over four years to assist Adelaide in becoming the world’s first carbon neutral city.
Among the activities, the State Government is partnering with Adelaide City Council to secure private investment in renewable energy and energy storage, building energy efficiency and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
“Making Adelaide a carbon neutral city is an ambitious target that calls for a combined effort across Governments, businesses, property owners and residents,” said Climate Change Minister Ian Hunter.
In June last year, Adelaide City Council announced incentives available to City homes and businesses of up to $5,000 for installing battery storage and up to $5,000 to install solar panels.
$7.5 million is to go to the University of South Australia’s Future Industries Institute (FII) to support innovation and new industry. The FII focuses on four research strands, one of which incorporate energy and renewable assets in the state.
On a somewhat related note, the Budget also includes $1 million over five years for the South Australian Council of Social Service (SACOSS) to deliver the South Australian Energy Consumer Advocacy Project. The project is designed to ensure residential consumers are effectively represented in energy regulation determinations and policy development within the national energy market.
The funding appears to have been triggered by several major energy retailers recently significantly increasing electricity prices for South Australian residential and business customers.
Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the project “will provide a strong, independent voice for South Australian energy consumers.”
Top Right Image Credit: BigStock
