ACT launches 50MW solar centre on the road to achieving 90% renewable energy  

Hoping to quash some of the reticence about the upcoming review of the RET, ACT energy minister Simon Corbell has announced plans for a 50MW solar technology innovation centre. Despite the announcement the details are yet to be decided upon with a lengthy planning stage expected.

“The ACT Government will run an expression of interest process to identify potential sites and scope next generation energy systems to form the basis of a 50 megawatt solar technology innovation precinct,” Mr Corbell said.

Uncertainty regarding renewable energy support could light a fire under existing projects that have become dormant. “There are a lot of projects that have been approved or are close to approval – we expect significant competition for wind,” Corbell said. “The uncertainty in the federal market is going to make that competition more intense.”

Successful auction throughout 2012/13 of 40MW of solar plant investment provided proof of concept, with 15 bidders at one point it’s expected that the competition will again be intense ensuring a good deal for ACT tax payers.

The ACT has set a goal of achieving 90% renewable energy generation by 2020, no mean feat considering the goal was only announced two years ago and only has six years left to run in a hostile renewable environment. It’s expected that consumers in the ACT will save up to $30 per year on their electricity bill as a result of the developments.

Renewables are expected to make a major contribution to the electricity network, with the 90MW of solar plant projects backed up by an incredible 583MWs coming from wind turbine plants.

Last week Corbell announced an intiative for 1MW community solar program that would allow those living in unsuitable dwellings or renting their premises to invest in a solar plant, offering them a chance to off-set their personal carbon usage and providing a future revenue stream.