Clean energy know-how on show to regulator

Tuesday, 30 August 2016

University of Adelaide’s leadership in clean energy, including solar thermal, will be on show tomorrow (Wednesday, 31 August 2016), with the Clean Energy Regulator conducting its first ever site visit at the University’s Centre for Energy Technology.

The Clean Energy Regulator, which is responsible for the administration of the national Renewable Energy Target, is in South Australia to learn about the state’s activities aimed at reaching a 50 per cent renewable energy target and reducing carbon emissions.

Professor Gus Nathan, the Director of the Centre for Energy Technology, says the visit is a recognition of the Centre’s leadership in innovative, collaborative research between industry, partners and academic researchers, both from here in SA and National/International, in carbon abatement technologies.

“Our Centre has a strong track record of industry partnerships, technology development, and commercialisation in partnership with industry and collaboration with leading researchers,” Professor Nathan said.

“An example is the recently funded project with Alcoa and Hatch to take concentrated solar thermal to alumina production.

“Another key scheme of the Clean Energy Regulator is the Emissions Reduction Fund aimed at carbon abatement. In Australia's energy mix, less than one third is electricity, with the rest being mostly transport fuels and supply of heat for industry.”

“With fuels and heat being the majority of our energy mix, our innovative technology developments in solar technology have the potential to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of the nation's industrial process heat supply.

“South Australia’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2025, is the highest in the country.

“South Australia also has the highest penetration of renewables in any mainland state, and has closed down its coal-fired power supply.

“The future is already here in South Australia, so we are being watched from around the country and around the world to see how we manage this process. The challenges we face now will be faced by other states and countries in the future.”

The Clean Energy Regulator undertakes site visits to hear first-hand from leaders in industry, government, research and development agencies.

“We’re keen to learn about practical opportunities to transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Chloe Munro, Chair of the Clean Energy Regulator.

“South Australia has made great advances and we can see the potential for more innovation in the future.”

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