CSIRO Finds Central Victoria Can Realise All Its Electrical Energy Requirements From Renewables. (November 10, 2007)

Anthony Radford reports in the Bendigo Weekly on a new CSIRO report commissioned by Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) which includes 14 member councils, seven business, government and community organisations and numerous working groups.

The report summarises the national research organisation's findings: "vast resources for electricity from large scale solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, wind or biomass ... individually or together ...[could] supply all
the required electricity generation [for the region]."

CVGA chairman Ian MacBean told Mr Radford that the key to the proposal was governments being prepared to set mandatory renewable energy targets which would enable the technology to become affordable enough to become attractive.

Dr MacBean said: "“The energy is there, certainly solar. The key is that energy companies have to be prepared to make pretty significant investments; however, so far the Australian political and economic system is not sending out the right price signals."

And according to Dr MacBean, "[Industry] have been calling on the government for some years to set those targets so they can make these investments."

He went on to add: "Our members and their communities are looking to the next government to deliver national policy and legislation which will support them in their efforts to ensure our
region has a secure and sustainable future. We have the commitment, the technology and the knowledge. What we need now are targets, measures, regulation and legislation which will enable businesses, communities and all levels of government to work towards this vital common goal."