AUSTELA is working with leading research agencies to connect Australian decision-makers with leading research in solar thermal power.
Through AUSTELA’s members and partner organisations, gain unique insights into current developments and trends in solar thermal power.
If your organization is involved in solar thermal energy development, technology or investment in Australia, you need to join AUSTELA.
On 14 March, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill presented a new six-point plan by the SA government to enhance the South Australian power system. Announcement of the plan follows intense debate as to the causes of electricity system failures in South Australia over recent months, a debate that has brought to a head longstanding fears that National Electricity Market rules have failed to keep pace with rapid technology changes.
Dr Keith Lovegrove, Managing Director of ITP Thermal Pty Ltd and a director of AUSTELA, recently highlighted that solar thermal power plants with 10+ hours of low-cost built-in thermal energy storage have been in operation internationally for several years, and are proven technology (Read his full article HERE). AUSTELA has long advocated that the benefits of integrated energy storage, providing in-built dispatchability, should be taken into account when comparing electricity costs derived from different generation technologies.
AUSTELA continues to engage in the public debate to raise awareness of the benefits of solar thermal power technologies, including their immunity from risks of supply, cost and carbon emissions associated with gas-fired power generation, and CSP’s cost advantages over battery technology at large scale.
The Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, lead by Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, is likely to play a pivotal role in the ongoing debate around Australia's electricity system and the role of renewables with energy storage such as CST.
AUSTELA has made a submission to the enquiry and participated in the 'technical expert' consultation session in Sydney on 15 February 2017.
The submission can be downloaded HERE.
The NSW government has embraced the need to decarbonise the energy system by 2050. They have release a Climate Change Fund Draft Strategic Plan.
AUSTELA responded to the call for submissions and attended the consultation workshop.
The submission can be downloaded HERE
About AUSTELA
Australian Solar Thermal Energy Association Ltd
ACN: 149 005 210
PO Box 6127
O'Connor
ACT 2602, Australia
