The success of renewable energy particularly solar power inQueensland has been a combination of comprehensive government programs and Queenslanders themselves who took the initiative to go green and be a part of carbon sequestration while reaping its financial benefits.
In all of Australia, Queensland ranks among the top tier in solar power use proving that Queenslanders are embracing solar technology and are committed in environmental protection.
The Government’s part
The Queensland government has implemented some of the most successful and comprehensive programs in renewable energy. Queensland’s feed in tariff scheme is currently the most generous and the most stable in the country with no signs of closure, the tariff pays eligible system owners 44 cents for every KW of surplus electricity fed back to the state grid.
Queensland has also implemented solar rebates and bonuses that subsidize the upfront cost of solar PV systems and solar hot water systems through STCs and direct rebate programs.
Furthermore the state has engaged in various solar power projects particularly in busy public places that showcase to the public how solar power in Queensland will benefit the state and the environment.
A number of medium scale solar power projects already commenced in the state and more are expected to follow in a few years. Projects like the solar power schools and the “Do the bright thing” movement played an essential role in behavior modification towards clean energy creating a strong sense of civic awareness and commitment.
Soon, construction will begin in Southwest Queensland for the Solar Dawn project, the largest solar power gas hybrid plant of its kind capable of generating 250 MW which will be an iconic feature of the state’s environmental commitment.
Queenslanders doing their part
Queensland’s solar capacity escalated from 250 MW to 500 MW in just 15 months, 3 years earlier than expected, accounting to 141,000 household who installed solar panels in their roofs and 230,000 solar hot water systems. Currently 8% of Queensland’s energy needs are supplied by these systems and the local government is aiming for a 20% supply in 2020 along with all of Australia.
Due to the rapid renewable energy growth, Queensland leads the country in carbon sequestration saving a total of 15 million tonnes of carbon since 2007 according to report released by the Council of Climate Change.
The GREEN economy
A few years back, there are less than 80 solar power companies in Queensland, but since the industry boomed in 2009 more than 500 companies were established employing thousands excluding employed staff from construction, operations and maintenance from government projects. Queensland is slowly transitioning to a low carbon economy paving way to new job opportunities, partly solving employment problems in the state.
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