Research and initiatives to secure Australia’s energy futures have taken a major step forward with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding.
Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Alice Solar City (ASC) recently signed the Memorandum which will see the two organisations involved in collaborative research and analysis into solar technologies.
The Memorandum will establish a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship between CDU and ASC with regard to research and analysis on the implementation of energy efficiency, solar power and behaviour change initiatives as part of the Federal Government’s $94 million Solar Cities Program.
CDU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover said he was excited to be working with such a progressive partner in the pursuit for smarter and more sustainable energy use.
“The partnership between the two organisations will progress one of Australia’s most advanced cities in terms of its capacity to harness the penetration of solar energy into its energy grid,” he said.
“Through partnership with the Northern Territory Government, CDU has also established a Centre for Renewable Energy.
“The aim of the Centre is to ensure the Territory has the local capability to build its renewable energy sector, and provide leadership on renewable energy and low emissions deployment in the Territory context.”
Alice Springs is one of a select group of locations chosen for the Solar Cities program. The individual projects are trialling a mix of technologies including solar hot water and photovoltaic technology, energy efficiency, load management, smart meters and cost-reflective pricing in large scale grid connected urban sites.
Data collected from each of the trials will show how different projects can reduce energy use and will inform future policies.