Antinuclear

With federal support, South Australia could be wind energy hub

a simple federal regulatory change would unlock billions of dollars in investment to expand infrastructure capacity and deliver large volumes of green SA power across the border to the eastern states.

SA wind can power nation, The Advertiser, 15 July 2010, Australia has the capacity to become the nation’s green-energy engine room, because of its potential for wind power projects, experts say. An economic feasibility study by a Macquarie Capital-led consortium shows SA could almost double its energy-generation capacity through expansion of wind power alone – and sell the excess to the eastern states.

Three wind zones on Eyre Peninsula and one in the state’s north with the combined capacity to deliver 30 per cent of Australia’s renewable-energy target have been identified in the Green Grid study.

It shows a simple federal regulatory change would unlock billions of dollars in investment to expand infrastructure capacity and deliver large volumes of green SA power across the border to the eastern states.

The changes required would include making households in the eastern states pay a bigger share of the cost of building the infrastructure required to transport power to them……..

Under the proposed plan, $4.5 billion in investment would be rolled out between 2015 and 2018. Of that, $1.8 billion would be spent in SA, resulting in 1400 construction jobs. It is estimated a further 1600 indirect jobs would be created during the construction phase and 266 ongoing jobs would be delivered.

The report was commissioned by the State Government and the state’s four major energy firms – Origin Energy, Pacific Hydro, Transfield Services and Acciona Energy – and have indicated interest in developing the infrastructure.

Premier Mike Rann said he expected an SA wind hub could provide a major contribution to meeting national renewable energy targets and would build momentum for regulatory reform.

“This is one of the most exciting investment opportunities for South Australia that we expect the private sector to grab with both hands,” he said.

“I am pleased that four internationally experienced wind energy companies have already expressed great interest in the project.

“It will require a change to the federal regulations, but I expect the release of this report will accelerate the decision-making timetable for the changes required, given the national economic and environmental significance of this project.”……………
SA wind can power nation | Adelaide Now

July 16, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | energy, South Australia | South Australia