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Queensland, Australia set to house largest solar project in southern hemisphere



Australian Premier Anna Bligh has announced that Queensland, Australia is set to be home to the largest solar thermal project in the southern hemisphere.

Anne Bligh. Image: Queensland Government.

As part of a AUD$115 million solar package in the 2010-11 Budget, the Bligh Government is contributing $35 million to the project at Kogan Creek near Dalby. This funding comes on top of the Rudd Government's $31 million contribution.



“This funding means Queensland will be home to the largest solar project in the southern hemisphere,” Premier Bligh said. “The project will use solar power to generate steam to drive the turbine at Kogan Creek Coal fired powered station. It will boost electricity by 44 megawatts and reduce carbon emissions using energy from the sun.



“The Bligh Government is committed to doing the bright thing, which is why we are investing heavily in solar technology. This budget provides AUD$115 million over five years to help build our solar industry and double our use of solar energy, turning Queensland into the solar state.”



The Premier said the solar package will deliver both large scale and grass-roots initiatives to ensure all Queenslanders can play a role in doubling our use of solar energy over the next five years.



Solar initiatives funded in this year’s budget include:



• $35.4 million for CS Energy’s Carbon Reduction Program – supporting the development of major renewable energy projects at Kogan Creek;
• 
$29.5 million for the $60 million Solar Rebate Scheme – providing residents with rebates of $600 and $1,000 for the installation of solar heat pump or solar hot water systems; and
• 
$5.8 million for the Solar Kindergartens Program – funding the installation of solar photovoltaics (PV) panels on the roofs of new and existing kindergarten buildings, built or upgraded over the next four years
.