Alice Solar City
Alice Solar City was launched on 10 March 2008.
The Alice Solar City consortium is working with government, business and the local community to rethink the way they produce and use energy.
What is involved?
Alice Springs is in the centre of Australia and receives one of the highest levels of sunshine in the country. The unique location of Alice Springs, and its role as one of Australia's premier tourist destinations, will ensure that the Alice Solar City iconic solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are highly visible to national and international visitors.
The Alice Springs community is already committed to renewable energy with approximately 50 per cent of all households using solar hot water systems.
Information about energy use and energy related community behaviour will be collected from a range of trials which integrate the following components:
- installing significant numbers of solar PV systems on residential and commercial buildings along with smart meters which will measure the effect of the systems on household energy and water use
- trialling feed-in tariffs which will provide a financial incentive to residents and businesses for the energy generated by their solar PV systems
- installing significant numbers of solar hot water systems on residential homes
- providing energy surveys and advice for residents and businesses to help them identify ways to improve their own energy efficiency, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- providing special incentives for residents who substantially reduce their energy bills over a two year period
- installing smart meters in businesses and homes, combined with cost reflective pricing to encourage customers to reduce their energy use at times of high demand on the grid
The Alice Solar City project includes a number of iconic solar projects that will provide solar energy to the Alice township.
On 18 February 2009 the 305 kW solar PV system on the roof of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Alice Springs was launched. This system is made up of more than 1320 PV panels, and is expected to generate 530 megawatt hours of electricity each year, making it the largest roof mounted solar system in Australia. The PV system will provide between 40 and 80 % of the Crowne Plaza Hotel's energy needs depending upon the time of year.
- 18 February 2009 - Power turned on at largest solar system in Australia - Media release
On 26 November 2008, the construction of a solar power station at Ilparpa, on the outskirts of Alice Springs was announced. The solar power station will consist of twenty-six 14 metre high concentrating dishes which will together are expected to generate over 1800 megawatt hours of clean energy each year. The renewable electricity generated by the power station will be fed into the Alice Springs town grid and will help to avoid the use of diesel generators during peak periods.
- 26 November 2008 - Solar power station for Alice Springs - Media release
Benefits
The Alice Solar City Consortium expects significant community, industry and environmental benefits over the life of the program, including:
- savings of thousands of kilowatt hours in electricity annually
- a reduction in thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year
- increased public awareness, knowledge and interest in more efficient, sustainable energy use for the Alice Springs community
The Solar City trial in Alice Springs will provide information about energy use that may be useful to other remote communities in Australia and around the world.
Consortium members
The Alice Solar City consortium is joining with the Australian Government in delivering this project. The consortium is led by the Alice Springs Town Council with members including the Northern Territory Government, Northern Territory Power and Water Corporation, Tangentyere Council, Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce, the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre and the Arid Lands Environment Centre.
To find out more on the Alice Solar City or to become a participant if you live within the Alice Springs Town Council area go to the Alice Solar City website www.alicesolarcity.com.au.
