The Territory’s ability to generate clean, green energy received a significant boost today with the launch of the first renewable energy research facility.
Minister for Climate Change, Karl Hampton today joined Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover in launching the Northern Territory Centre for Renewable Energy.
“This new centre will be the backbone of renewable energy development in the Territory,” Mr Hampton said.
“The Territory has many potential sources of renewable energy and already is attracting significant investment interest in its solar, tidal and geothermal energy possibilities.
“The Centre will work with government, the private sector and the community to drive the research, development and uptake of these projects across the Territory.
“The Centre for Renewable Energy will be the key institution in spearheading initiatives under the Northern Territory Government’s Climate Change Policy including sourcing 20 per cent of our wholesale electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover said the Centre will develop and evaluate new renewable energy and low emissions technologies for their commercial application in the NT and northern Australia.
“The hybrid integration of renewable and low emissions applications in the Territory’s remote and regional communities will be one of the priorities,” Professor Glover said.
The Centre will be located on Casuarina campus within the School of engineering and Information Technology.
“We want to turn commercial interest in zero and low-emission power generation into a cleaner environment and jobs for our kids; the Centre will ensure the territory has the knowledge and expertise to develop a strong renewable energy sector,” Mr Hampton said.
The Centre’s advisory group will be co-chaired by Director of Energy Policy and Climate Change, Department of the Chief Minister, Vikki McLeod and Dr Scott Snyder, Dean of Education, Health and Sciences, CDU.
For more information, visit www.greeningnt.gov.au