10 March
2008 - Three remote Indigenous communities
will soon be powered from cleaner energy
sources, with help from the Australian and
Northern Territory Governments.
Federal Minister for
the Environment, Heritage and the Arts,
Peter Garrett and Northern Territory Chief
Minister, Paul Henderson today announced
funding of $10.8 million to help bring cleaner
energy in the isolated Northern Territory
Indigenous communities of Alekerange, Ti
Tree and Kalkarindji.
“The Australian Government
will provide $6.6 million under the Renewable
Remote Power Generation Program to build
a total of 40 new solar dish concentrators
which will reduce community reliance on
diesel-powered generators,” Mr Garrett said.
“The roll-out of solar
power stations in remote Indigenous communities
is an exciting example of how we are shaping
a solar future for all Australians, no matter
where they live.
“While the projects
will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by more than 2000 tonnes each year, they
also include broader benefits such as improved
health and employment opportunities.”
Two eight-dish, 280
kilowatt concentrating solar power stations
will be built at Ti Tree and Kalkarindji,
and a 24-dish, 840 kilowatt power station
will be built at Alekerange.
Chief Minister Paul
Henderson said that the new solar concentrating
dishes at Kalkarindji, 480km south west
of Katherine, would help power important
community buildings such as the town’s police
station, women’s centre, health clinic and
family centre, and schools.
“Ti Tree, 180km north
of Alice Springs, has a population of just
over 200 and services many of the surrounding
Aboriginal communities. Ti Tree has expanding
horticultural activities and some of the
solar power generated will be used for water
pumping and irrigation, and a horticulture
cool-room,” Mr Henderson said.
“Alekerange’s new solar
power will be part of its Centrefarm horticulture
development, which provides community employment.
The additional power will reduce fluctuations
in its electricity supply and will allow
the community to install the refrigeration
needed to maximize commercial opportunities
from its farm.”
The remaining costs
will be met by Solar Systems, who will be
building the solar power stations. Solar
Systems has a successful record in implementing
high concentration solar photovoltaic projects
in remote locations.
Solar Systems estimate
that the solar power stations in Kalkarindji
and Ti Tree will displace a combined total
of around 300,000 litres of diesel per year.
The Australian Government’s
Renewable Remote Power Generation Program
helps Australians who live outside of our
major cities and towns and who are not connected
to the main grid, to gain access to renewable
energy supplies.
For more information: www.environment.gov.au/renewable/rrpgp
Media contact: (Minister Garrett) Margot
Marshall
(Chief Minister ) Gemma Buxton
