Power and Water already in step with new,
National, clean energy target

In response to the federal government announcement requiring a mandatory ‘clean energy generation’ target of 15% by 2010, the Northern Territory’s provider, Power and Water, said that while there has been little detail or opportunity available to analyse production and cost implications at this stage, at least having a single,  national, target may lessen confusion and duplication.

Sustainable Energy Manager, Trevor Horman says that current renewable energy targets don’t make a lot of difference now to this new proposal as targets are based on sales of electricity regardless of source.  As such, under the current requirements Power and Water are satisfying those targets and are on track for achieving them in not only 2010 but also 2020. 

He went on to say its is not clear at this stage what the new targets will require especially as the Northern Territory is different to other states and territories in that it generates its power through gas which produces only half the emissions of coal fired power stations.  Gas turbine technology is getting increasingly efficient in lowering emissions and further reductions are possible in the future.

In looking at other power sources, in particular renewable energy, Power and Water has undertaken substantial investigation and investment.  Of the viable technologies Power and Water is exploring wind generation (a proven and relatively cost effective technology) across the Barkley Tablelands and at Tennant Creek. 

The methane gas facility at Shoal Bay Landfill is producing a megawatt of power (enough electricity to power 1,000 homes) and Power and Water is looking at substituting bio-diesel for normal diesel for power generation at remote communities after a successful trial was conducted last year.

With the cost decreasing all the time, the most substantial investment in clean energy generation has been made in solar power with the installation of probably the largest solar power installation in the Southern hemisphere at Kings Canyon and tracking dishes in other areas.

Contact:
Judie Brennan
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
Power and Water Corporation
0401 117 599 or 8985 8481