Western Australia Minister for Energy Peter Collier

Boost for renewable energy in regional WA

Victor P Taffa

Two new solar powered stations will be built in regional WA, building on the Liberal-National Government’s commitment to renewable energy supplies.

Energy Minister Peter Collier said the stations would be built at Marble Bar and Nullagine at a total cost of $27.7 Million. This will be funded largely by Horizon Power with a welcome $4.9 Million injection from the Commonwealth’s Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP)*.

Mr. Collier said they would be the world’s first high penetration solar photovoltaic and diesel power stations.

The projects will include 2,250 solar panels, with a total of 500 kilowatt solar photovoltaic tracking arrays, and will each operate in conjunction with diesel power stations.

“These projects continue the Liberal National Government’s commitment to delivering a cleaner energy future for WA.” Mr. Collier said.

“Together, the renewable energy systems are expected to save 405,000 litres of diesel each year and reduce greenhouse emissions by 1,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.”

“They are capable of generating enough electricity to power almost 200 homes.” Mr. Collier said.

“These projects will provide clear benefits for regional communities in WA, including more secure and cleaner energy supplies.”

The two stations would incorporate the latest in renewable technology and would provide a more reliable service to the Pilbara towns, replacing 30-year-old systems.

*The RRPGP is a Federal Government initiative, and is administered in WA by the Office of Energy.

More details are available at http://www.clean.energy.wa.gov.au