ACT solar power facility feasibility study frequently asked questions
Who is working on the solar farm feasibility study?
The ACT Government and ActewAGL are undertaking a joint feasibility study investigating the development of a large scale solar facility, to help address climate change.
The ACT Government has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change through the launch of Weathering the Change, the ACT Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2025, and the first of a series of comprehensive Action Plans.
ActewAGL is committed to engaging with the ACT Government on strategies to address climate change and consideration of the most efficient ways of reducing ACT greenhouse gas emissions by 60% of 2000 levels, by 2050 (target outlined in the ACT Climate Change Strategy Weathering the Change).
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What is the objective of the solar farm feasibility study?
The feasibility study will investigate the opportunity to capitalise locally on Australia’s high solar radiation. The main objective is to provide a clear understanding of the feasibility of a solar farm in the ACT.
The study will investigate the environmental, economic and educational benefits; as well as any associated costs to the ACT. The study will facilitate an informed decision which will be made by ActewAGL and the ACT Government with regards to whether the project should proceed, and will also provide a firm indication of costs and timeframes to get such a facility built and operational.
It is expected that a report on the feasibility study will be submitted to the joint parties (ActewAGL and the ACT Government) by 1 July 2008.
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Who is paying for the solar farm feasibility study?
The solar farm feasibility study is being funded equally by ActewAGL and the ACT Government.
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When will the solar farm feasibility study get under way?
Work commenced as soon as the project was announced on 18 March 2008.
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What about the Feed-In Tariff already proposed by ACT Government for ACT residents who install rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels?
The solar farm feasibility study does not replace the Feed-In Tariff proposal. This is a complementary project. The ACT Government continues with its commitment to the solar Feed-In Tariff to encourage home owners to install rooftop PV systems. The community will be kept informed of developments.
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Why might the ACT need its own electricity generation capacity?
A secure electricity supply is an important factor in promoting economic growth, and retaining and attracting technology-based industries, businesses and government agencies to the ACT.
The ACT currently enjoys a reliable supply of electricity, but as peak demand continues to increase, a solar facility would assist with ensuring the ongoing reliability of the ACT’s electricity infrastructure. Large scale utility projects such as solar power stations can also provide a significant response to global warming by lessening reliance on coal-fired power.
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What locations could be considered for a solar farm?
The feasibility study will explore a range of options for the optimum size and location of a facility in the ACT. Considerations will relate to land availability, grid connectivity, access to gas and water infrastructure, environmental considerations and access for the general public.
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How much land is required to construct a solar facility for the ACT?
The amount of land required depends on the capacity of a solar farm. The land must be sunny and preferably sunny. The solar farm could be placed on existing farmland with minimal disruption to existing activities.
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Who would own and maintain a solar farm in the ACT?
The feasibility study will consider various funding and ownership structures.
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Could a large scale solar facility be upgraded?
Solar facilities are typically modular in nature, so can be developed incrementally to match growth in demand. A system can also be enhanced or replaced with newer higher efficiency modules (in contrast to many rooftop PV systems where the whole installation must be replaced).
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Canberra’s solar energy resources aren’t the best in Australia; why would we consider constructing a solar facility here in the ACT?
Although it is the interior and central areas of Australia that are the most abundant in solar resources, there is little demand for electricity in these areas, and little to no infrastructure to transmit the electricity that’s generated there.
It makes sense to position any power generating facilities (including solar farms) near to existing transmission lines to avoid the costs and environmental impacts of extending the electricity transmission network. A source of renewable energy generation in the ACT would also assist in reducing the impact of energy use on the environment.
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Who is going to pay for this? Am I going to have more expensive electricity bills?
At this stage, it is unknown if there will be any impact on electricity bills; it would depend on the delivery and ownership model. Similar initiatives elsewhere in Australia have attracted government funding and subsidies.
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Would a solar farm project create commercial opportunities?
The feasibility study is likely to identify numerous partnering and job opportunities. It is likely to stimulate interest from solar equipment manufacturers, research and development operations and other related businesses wanting to be involved with the facility. There are local institutions such as the CSIRO and ANU that already have significant experience in this field. The Chief Scientist of Australia has described these two local institutions as the most active in Australia for solar thermal research.
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Would a solar farm be good for tourism?
The ACT community could benefit from the potential increased numbers of tourists visiting the ACT because of the growing interest (both locally and internationally) in more sustainable energy sources.
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