Posted on May 18, 2009 by by valerirojas

As part of the 2009-2010 Budget, the Australian government will invest $1.5 billion to build the largest solar energy plan in the world.

This program will support up to four solar power generation projects with a total capacity equal to or greater than a current coal fired power station, creating an additional 1000 megawatts of solar power generation capacity – more than three times the size of the largest solar energy project operating anywhere in the world.The Largest one is currently located in California.

Tender details will be announced later in the year, and successful bidders will be named in the first half of 2010. Rudd said the project was aimed at exploiting the country’s ample sunshine, which he called “Australia’s biggest natural resource.” Reuter

Meanwhile, Canberra’s Minister for Energy, Simon Corbell also announced the formal calling of Expressions of Interest (EOI) in the proposed ACT Solar Power Facility. 15 May

“Through the EOI we are seeking proposals for a solar power facility that uses commercially proven direct solar technology, is capable of providing power to at least 10,000 homes, is located within the ACT, is commercially viable and meets the scheduled generator requirements under the National Electricity Market. said Mr Corbell.

The ACT government will commit $30 million towards the facility, with the nature of the contribution to be finalised in consultation with the preferred proponent. The Expression of Interest process will close on 9 July 2009.

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