Antinuclear

Greens back solar carparks in Queensland’ shopping centres

Greens want Queensland to back solar carparks in shopping centres, Brisbane Times, October 23, 2015 – A renewable energy developer who wants to roll out solar carports at shopping centres across Queensland says he isn’t trying to take on the mining industry.

Shakra Energy’s managing director Sam Khalil joined Greens senators Sarah Hanson-Young and Larissa Waters to unveil Australia’s “largest carport solar development” in Brisbane on Friday.

“We’re not trying to take on the mining industry on – we’re only trying to generate 20 to 30 to 40 per cent of what high energy users need (and) reduce the carbon emissions,” he told AAP.

“We’re not here to say let’s go head to head. We’re here to say – allow us to generate cleaner electricity, 20-30 per cent of the energy needed, more jobs and look past your nose.” Mr Khalil said it made sense that shopping centres should be able to use sunlit carports to generate their own power, saving them money and providing shade for customer’s vehicles.    Shakra Energy installed more than 300 solar panels on shade structures on top of PA Central in Brisbane’s south, which is expected to generate 30 to 40 per cent of the energy needed to run the car park and several businesses at the centre.

……..Senator Waters challenged the Palaszczuk government to champion the idea and make Queensland a leader in clean energy innovation.

“While coal is in structural decline, renewable energy is on the up and up, generating new jobs and offering trade opportunities,” she said.

Clean energy alternatives would also help in the ongoing fight against global warming, Senator Hanson-Young said. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/greens-want-queensland-to-back-solar-carparks-in-shopping-centres-20151023-gkh0z0.html#ixzz3piL3BJhe

October 23, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | General News