3. Demonstration projects
3.1 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Demonstration Program
The Queensland Government's 2009-2010 State Budget invests $47.7 million in the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Demonstration Program to reduce the growth in energy demand, particularly in periods of peak use. This will translate into more affordable electricity and lowered greenhouse gas emissions.
The Government is collaborating with electricity distributors Energex and Ergon Energy to implement the the program by:
- working with large commercial and industrial customers to implement conservation and demand management actions, such as improving energy efficiency through more efficient air conditioning, or fuel switching, for example from electricity to gas;
- working with households, communities and electricity distributors to fit energy-saving devices on certain household appliances, - such as air conditioners, pool pumps and hot water systems; and
- investigating a pricing model for electricity which rewards customers for managing their energy use at peak times. For example, a householder might use the washing machine or dishwasher earlier in the day, or later at night, and reduce demand on the electricity supply network and consequently be rewarded through a reduced tariff.
3.2 Clean Energy for Remote Communities
The Clean Energy for Remote Communities establishes a blueprint for the transitioning of Queensland's 34 isolated communities from high carbon intensity diesel fuel to a low carbon future through a mix of energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives. The strategy aims to reduce total electricity consumption by up to 20%, representing savings to residential customers of up to $300 per year.
Pilot projects in Thursday Island, Horn Island and the Northern Peninsula Area will include: free energy consultations to all customers, focusing on air conditioning, lighting, water and refrigeration; upgrading household lighting and improving water efficiency; engaging experts in building design to establish best practice energy and water efficiency specifications for these locations; and providing incentives to local businesses to stock and promote energy efficient products.
3.3 Rooftop solar power panel
The Queensland Government is investing $1.5 million to support the development of a $7.75 million 1.2 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project at the University of Queensland, considered the largest roof top solar power panel installation in Australia. The solar project will be built at the UQ's St Lucia Campus, and will save around 1,750 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually - which is equivalent to taking 335 cars off the roads each year.
The projects will help research into new solar power breakthroughs, by providing researchers with real life data on energy management and the impact of solar on our electricity network.
