EcoGeneration

March/April 2009

Marble Bar and Nullagine set for solar power

A ground-mounted installation of up to 2,000 solar panels will be constructed on two sites in Marble Bar and Nullagine, in the east Pilbara region of Western Australia. Kate Pemberton reports on the development of the largest solar tracking system in Australia.

Hot stuff – solar hot water systems

Seeking opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and save money, Australians are discovering the benefits of solar hot water. EcoGeneration spoke to key stakeholders about the benefits of solar hot water systems and the attractive rebate schemes on offer.

Windorah goes solar

Windorah, in sunny southwest Queensland, is the site for an innovative solar power trial. Kate Pemberton reports on the Windorah Solar Farm, which aims to create a viable alternative to diesel generation for remote communities.

Keeping cool in the sun

Kate Pemberton

Scientists from the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship are working on ways to harness the sun’s warmth to cool homes and offices. The leader of the Flagship’s solar cooling research project Dr Stephen White said significant greenhouse gas savings can be achieved in air conditioning by using energy from the sun.

Solar gets back to the classroom

In response to growing industry and student demand for training and vocational courses in sustainability, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE) Epping has made a significant investment in state-of-the-art facilities.

Capitalising on New Zealand’s renewables – an opportunity for success

Mike Bassett-Smith

New Zealand solar industry professional Mike Bassett-Smith looks at the policies shaping the national market, those of its close and distant neighbours and the opportunities for success with a feed-in tariff.

Sun shines on solar industry

Following the release of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme White Paper, the Federal Government has released draft legislation on the 20 per cent Renewable Energy Target (RET) which includes the introduction of a solar credits program.

Cheaper and cleaner – bioenergy leads the way in Scandinavia

Andrew Lang

Witnessing the take-up of biomass in place of nuclear and coal-fired power generation in Scandinavia, Andrew Lang discusses the solutions this renewable resource presents and its potential for greater use in Australia.

Industry conference exchanges experience and expertise

The Australia – Germany Solar and BioEnergy 2008 Industry Conference, held in November 2008, brought together renewable energy representatives to discuss the commercialisation of renewables and the opportunities to establish business relationships.

From wood to steel

Kate Pemberton

The CSIRO and the Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing have teamed up with metallurgy companies to investigate biomass energy generation opportunities to reduce their emissions.

Testing the waters in Westernport Bay

Kate Pemberton

One of the driest continents on Earth, Australia is moving from traditional hydro to the watery resources surrounding the island nation. EcoGeneration spoke with tidal power company Atlantis Resources’ Tim Cornelius about the clean tech industry, the company’s latest tidal power project and Australia’s tidal power potential.

Hydrokinetics make a splash in the USA

An American company has completed the installation of the first of two turbines in the United State’s first commercial hydrokinetic power project. Kate Pemberton reports.

WEF declares clean and green the way forward

Jacqueline Beach

Climate change and the world’s energy future were key issues discussed at the 2009 World Economic Forum held in Davos-Kloisters, Switzerland. During the annual meeting, participants discussed the need for increased fiscal action on climate change — but it’s not all doom and gloom…