Post on 17-Aug-2015
North Queensland Renewable Energy Take-up & Reduced Energy Demand Plan
Townsville & North QueenslandEnergy Review 2011
By Kate Austin
Regional Overview
► Townsville considered the Capital of North Queensland (NQ).► Population 261,000 with growth rate of around 3%► Strong, diverse economy ($13.3 billion GRP) growth @ 10%► Key to the region’s success:
► Geographically located in resource rich environment;► Economic stability and future opportunities;► Plentiful water supply;
►Leading education & research expertise; ► Available & affordable land for
development;► Expertise in tropical sustainability;► Advanced technical capability – NBN; and►Significant Local, State and Federal
Government support
►Queensland one of Australia’s highest energy consumers ►Dispersed population, large geographical area, economy founded on
large industry.►Energy consumption 32% increase between 2000 & 2008 (3 times
higher than national average). ►Per capita consumption was 16% higher than national average in 2005
– one of the highest in the WORLD!
►Strategies to reduce energy demand & drive efficiency…► Regulatory Strategies► Economic Strategies► Educational Strategies
► Technical Strategies
Current Energy Consumption & Reduction Strategies
► Regulatory Strategies► Appliance Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)► National Construction Code (NCC) Improvements► Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) & Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s)► Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) Act 2006
► Economic Strategies► Carbon Price Policy► Federal Funded Programs for a Clean Energy Future► Expansion of North Queensland’s Economic Corridors► Short Term Investment for Long-Term (Life-Cycle Costing)
► Educational Strategies► Energy Assessments & Behavioural Change Management► Develop a Program-wide Communication & Engagement Strategy► Development of, & Involvement in Participative Educational Programs and Initiatives► Government & Industry Energy Efficiency Leadership & Education
► Technical Strategies ► Electricity Network Configuration Improvements► Information Technology (IT) for Education & Smart Grid Readiness► Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT)► Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) Generation
Reducing Energy Demand
►Current state► Significant dependency remains on coal and petroleum products.
► Renewable energy in Queensland is still in its infancy – gaining momentum.
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►Time is now to increase regional development, transition to a renewable energy mix and decrease CO2 emissions. ► NQ’s renewable energy resources include solar, wind, bioenergy, hydro
and geothermal!
Increasing Renewable Energy Potential
►North Queensland boasts excellent solar resources – equal with world’s best!
►Large-scale Solar – Concentrated thermal solar► Base-load capacity central tower plants. ► Can be supplemented using hybridisation with geothermal, wind or gas.
► Small-scale Solar – Photovoltaics and solar water systems - $0.44 per kWh feed-in tariff rebate.
►Access to investment capital is a►Barrier, access to tradespersons, ► & storage options.
Solar Energy
► Wind intensity across the region is variable – best resources along the coast and selected inland sites.
► Feasibility of wind energy in NQ will likely be realised through numerous small-medium generators .
► Excellent opportunity to incorporate small wind generation into urban public infrastructure design.
► Benefits – CO2 free, No operating costs, land leasing provides farmer revenue diversity, fast to install.
► Barriers – initial investment & intermittency.
Wind Energy
► Most versatile renewable energy source both in viable feedstock and processing options – can be stored.
► North Queensland at the heart of nation’s sugar cane and banana industries with extensive grazing, piggery and poultry resources – plentiful feedstock.
► Some sugar mills have established co-generation using sugar production waste for electrical and mechanical energy generation.
► Human and municipal waste an option for small-scale production.
► Barriers – feedstock
► competition, funding.
Bioenergy
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Framework for the Future – Roadmap for Change
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Framework for the Future – Roadmap for Change
► North Queensland has world class renewable energy resources presenting opportunity to become a leader in renewables projects.
Potential Renewable Projects in NQ
►The current level of energy consumption is unsustainable.►Energy reduction and energy efficiency actions could
significantly reduce energy waste and excessive consumption.
►The region is well placed to undertake the transition led by a willing and capable Council with key community and business partners, and world-class renewable energy resources.
In Summary…
Thank You!Any
Questions?