Solar power 'central to NSW sustainable aims'

13th Sep 2012

Energy ministers have unveiled a new renewable energy plan for NSW that highlights the importance of utility-scale solar projects in the state.

The proposal, which outlines 28 actions the NSW Government will take to ensure it achieves 20 per cent sustainable energy by 2020, comes hot on the heels of Canberra's announcement that it will be building Australia's biggest solar farm near Royalla.

While it may be cynical to suggest NSW is trying to steal Canberra's thunder, officials were quick to point out how vital their own large-scale operations are to the economy.

Energy minister Chris Hartcher claimed the state already boasted "world-class research development projects".

"NSW is also set to host the AGL-led Solar Flagships project that will see almost 160 MW of large-scale solar generation built at Broken Hill and Nyngan," he explained.

"Securing the Solar Flagships project demonstrates NSW is an attractive place to invest and has the right business settings. The Renewable Energy Action Plan will help us to continue attracting other renewable developments."

According to Hartcher, the state will only look to push forward with solutions that offer the best value for money, while continuing to garner investment and generate jobs.

In fact, the plan states around 6,000 new positions will be created by 2020 in the renewable energy technologies industry across construction, manufacturing and installation. 

And Hartcher says this will all come without any extra cost to the consumer, claiming: "We have heard loud and clear that people are fed up with soaring electricity prices."

But the plan is not merely about solar energy. Apparently, a main focus is to educate homeowners on energy efficiency in an effort to make them more aware of their energy usage.

By identifying ways of helping households to cut costs on their bills, it could save $2.8 billion a year, while ensuring annual energy savings of 16,000 Gwh within eight years' time.

Parliamentary secretary for renewable energy Rob Stokes stated the plan has incorporated feedback from the NSW Government's Solar Summit in 2011, as well as assistance from the Renewable Energy Taskforce.

It is important that people are given information about consumption, as well as the options available to them so that the state can meet its sustainable energy targets, Stokes added.

NSW communities have been invited to give their views on a draft of the plan, as well as get involved in an online forum discussing its development.

By Mike Peacock

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: