Victoria 'has potential' to be solar power hub
23rd Jul 2012
There is real potential for Victoria to make the most of solar power - or so a new report from the Climate Commission claims - but the state is simply failing to take advantage of these opportunities.
In fact, there is so much solar energy potential in the state that its electricity needs could be met twice over, the only problem is that Victoria hasn't even begun to make the most of its renewable resources.
The Critical Decade - Victorian Climate Impacts and Opportunities identifies that renewable energy only accounts for around 5.5 per cent of the state's electricity consumption.
Victoria receives approximately 2,500 petajoules of solar energy on available land each year, which is double the amount consumed by the area in 2009-10.
Mildura, which lies in the north-west of the state, is revealed to have the greatest solar power prospects, but the state government needs to step in and make sure they are recognised.
This report is especially interesting given that the Victorian government is so keen to explain to its residents how they can improve their energy efficiency.
When the carbon tax was introduced on July 1, the government released a number of suggestions on how to make households more eco-friendly, although it may not be taking note of its own advice.
Not only this, but the government has been pushing for reforms to the energy sector to make sure customers are getting a fair deal.
Solar power has proved itself to be an affordable means of generating electricity, so perhaps it is time for the government to lead by example and show Victorians how things are really done.
Who knows, a few years down the line Victoria could be considered a solar capital of the world - well, it's good to dream.
Posted by Bob Dawson
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Solar Power