It's not been long since South Australia's (SA's) government announced it was getting behind a motion to examine solar thermal options in the state, but the decision is already being praised.
SA's House of Assembly has voted to support the formation of a select committee, which will investigate renewable power alternatives to the ageing coal-fired power plants at Port Augusta.
And Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) had called the development "encouraging", although this may not be much of a surprise as the organisation was behind the grassroots campaign that has resulted in the issue getting nationwide attention.
Entitled Repower Port Augusta, the initiative is attempting to raise awareness of the value in constructing solar thermal power plants in the region.
BZE spokesperson Hannah Aulby said: "It is encouraging to see bipartisan support for proposal that will create 1800 jobs, support regional development, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Solar thermal can provide energy security and employment opportunities for Australian industries."
Ms Aulby added that setting up a gas-fired plant could be economically unsound, with fuel prices expected to double within the next few years.
Repower Port Augusta has gained so much support that dedicated advocates trekked from the town to Adelaide, where they rallied outside Parliament House last month.
Posted by Mike Peacock