EcoGeneration

July/August 2008

ATRAA 2008 puts solar on show in Melbourne

As the biggest solar industry event in Australia, this year’s ATRAA Conference and Exhibition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a packed program of presentations, forums and social functions. Maryam Jahanshahi reports.

ATRAA - fostering Australian solar since 1979

With its 31st Conference and Exhibition to be held in Melbourne in late July, Sarah Robertson speaks to some of the ATRAA’s founding members about the trials and the achievements of the association over the years, the growth of Australia’s solar industry and its continuing successes.

Pittwater High’s solar solace

With a major campaign underway and considerable support from the local community, Pittwater High School has successfully switched to solar power. Sarah Robertson reports on the success of the school’s solar installation and the continuing campaign to cover more roof with PV and lighten the school’s fossil fuel load.

Solar - powering Australian communities

Australia’s Solar Cities initiative has seen more Australian communities harness the sun to power their future. Kate Monypenny reports on the initiative’s latest developments in Alice Springs, Queensland’s Magnetic Island and Melbourne’s inner city suburb of Coburg.

Solar industry call for long-term solutions

Sarah Robertson

The Federal Government’s recent changes to the Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) has seen industry call for long-term solutions to drive Australia’s solar energy industry forward.

Progressing PV - advancements in solar technology

Solar soldiers Australian defence personnel may be able to generate enough electricity to power their gear via new solar technology embedded in their uniforms and equipment.

Liddell Thermal Power Station - greening coal-fired power

Maryam Jahanshahi

Not only is it poised to become the first traditional coal-fired power station integrated with solar thermal technology, when constructed the Liddell Solar Thermal Project will be the largest of its kind in the world.

Leading the charge of change

Rosemary Warnock has recently taken on the position as CEO of the Clean Energy Council. She spoke with Sarah Robertson about the Council’s key agenda as the peak body representing the clean energy industry and the challenges it must overcome to succeed.

Making farms greener - cow power to the rescue

Maryam Jahanshahi

Researchers at Victoria’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investigating ways in which farmers can generate bioenergy from dairy effluent, a scheme which has the potential to reduce the annual carbon footprint of the Victorian dairy industry by 103,000 tonnes each year.

Bright prospects for Mallee bioenergy

Rebecca Rawlings

When farmers in Western Australia’s wheatbelt started using oil mallee trees to control salinity, they weren’t aware of the massive potential crops’ to provide an almost unlimited supply of clean electricity to the state.

Processing biomass for renewable energy

A new report, Biomass Technology Review: Processing for Energy and Materials, prepared by Crucible Carbon for Sustainability Victoria aims to increase awareness about biomass processing options as a business opportunity. Matthew Warnken discusses the reports key findings and the challenges facing the bioenergy industry.

Powering Sydney Water’s carbon neutral future

Supplying drinking water to, and processing sewage from, over four million customers is an energy intensive exercise. As one of NSW’s largest energy users, Sydney Water has undertaken a major renewable energy project involving cogeneration plants and hydroelectric generators that promises to substantially cut emissions.