Power and Water is set to receive assistance from Michael Long and his business Long Halliwell in partnership with Indigenous–owned Alice Springs-based business, Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT), to communicate the benefits of solar energy in the bush.

The Solar Energy Transformation Program or SETuP, will deliver solar powered energy systems to over 30 Indigenous communities across the Northern Territory. This $55 million program includes $27.5 million funded through the Australian Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and $27.5 million by Power and Water Corporation through support from the NT Government.

Michael Long is one of the Northern Territory’s most recognised faces following his star-studded AFL career, his long-walks to highlight greater Indigenous recognition and more recently his commitment to training and education for Aboriginal youth. He is the ideal person to have on board and help each Indigenous community understand the significant benefits switching to solar power brings.

“Power and Water has developed this partnership because it believes local Indigenous voices need to deliver the key messages about the benefits of solar power in their communities,” General Manager Remote Operations, Scott Robertson said.

“Michael Long and his team and the crew at CAT have a proven record in successful community consultation programs in remote areas and they are crucial partners in helping Power and Water share important messages around SETuP.

“As part of SETuP’s implementation, Power and Water is keen to deliver effective energy efficiency messages to help community residents save money and understand the benefits of solar power; our Indigenous business partners will help us achieve this goal.

“Solar is cleaner, greener and quieter and it also means that there are fewer diesel deliveries to communities. Diesel is expensive and delivery by truck across vast distances on difficult roads or by sea on a barge in all kinds of weather carries many risks.

“Michael is from a remote Indigenous community and following his illustrious sporting career, has become a leader and advocate for his people, many of whom who will soon be receiving a good portion of their energy needs through SETuP,” Mr Robertson said.

The new solar systems will deliver 10 megawatts of solar power and reduce diesel use by around 15 per cent when fully implemented. The rollout of solar installations will begin later this year and continue through until 2018 with ongoing testing and system performance analysis taking place into 2020.

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