Queensland could get huge boost for its solar industry

Queensland solar farms in the race for federal funding http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-solar-farms-in-the-race-for-federal-funding/news-story/54e6f7e5880087d774e2661f94898c12 January 15, 2016 JESSICA MARSZALEK The Courier-Mail THE Sunshine State could be set for a huge boost to its solar industry with 10 large-scale solar farms vying for $100 million in Federal Government grants.

The projects earmarked for Queensland, including in Dalby, Proserpine, Oakey, Hughenden, Longreach and Ipswich, are among 22 nationwide invited to make applications to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Environment Minister Greg Hunt said that the projects together represented a potential $1.68 billion investment in solar.

“The shortlisted proposals were chosen from a very strong field, demonstrating Australia is ready to invest in utility-scale renewable energy options suited to the 21st century,” Mr Hunt said.

ARENA’s large-scale solar competitive round is designed to boost Australia’s total large-scale generation capacity by almost double to 400 megawatts (MW), generating 860,000MW hours a year, or enough power for 120,000 homes. Other Queensland projects under consideration are at Baralaba, Kidston and Collinsville.

Large-scale solar photovoltaic power is in its infancy in Australia with only three projects commissioned and three more under consideration. It is far fewer than in comparable international markets, with ARENA hoping the technology becomes more competitive in the future as costs come down and government support won’t be necessary.

January 14, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, solar

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