Solar panels the key to meeting demand

25th Aug 2011

A report by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) has shown that the sunshine state risks an electricity shortfall if it is unable to implement necessary infrastructure in time.

CCIQ predict a potential gap between demand and supply between 2014 and 2014 in a report titled An Efficient, Productive and Sustainable Electricity Supply for Queensland.

The inquiry aims to form the basis of a blueprint for future infrastructure development programs for the state's energy sector.

With medium growth, Queensland will reach a shortfall which will impact electricity supply and the overall reliability of service for consumers.

The report also highlights the flipside of the nation's recent mining boom and how it affects everyday consumers.

It states: "The cost of coal, gas and other fuel sources used to produce electricity has increased significantly over the past five years and will continue to increase into the future due to growing world demand for resources."

The report asserts that in 2008, 88 per cent of electricity generation comes from coal-fired power, a process which makes a significant contribution to carbon emissions pollution.

Gas-fired power accounted for ten per cent and perhaps most interestingly, renewable energy was responsible for only two per cent.

Starting from humble beginnings, solar power has seen adoption skyrocket in Queensland since 2008, with the country announcing last month (July 2011) that it has reached its solar energy target three years early.

The report addresses the potential for solar to contribute to the state's pressing energy needs by saying: "The opportunities we see for improved demand reduction and energy efficiency schemes that can deliver significant innovation, productivity and growth opportunities for Queensland if developed and deployed in partnership with the business community."

Whilst admitting that one single source of power isn't the answer, it does recommended further developments in renewable energy sources.

"There needs to be a comprehensive examination of all possible low-carbon emissions energy options. This then needs to be followed up by sufficient research funding and policy commitment to ensure that the optimal mix of energy sources are used in the new low carbon emissions environment."

Solar power has proven to be an excellent way of generating power in the home without the added cost to the environment of releasing pollutants.

Mass adoption of solar power by everyday households will inevitably lead to an increase in electricity independence – as homes are generating their own power, they are less reliant on the regional grid.

By Mike Peacock – Solar Correspondent

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: