Council commits to new renewable energy plant
Posted on Friday, 27 August, 2010
Brisbane City Council is looking to buy its electricity from a supplier who will build a renewable energy plant in Queensland.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said Civic Cabinet this week gave the green light to the procurement of GreenPower from a supplier who will need to commit to building a renewable energy plant in Queensland.
“Council will shortly call for expressions of interest from parties to build a renewable energy plant to service Brisbane City Council’s energy needs,” Cr Newman said.
“To get the best plant at the right price, we’re throwing this out to the market to see what they come back with.
“At this point we’re not leaning towards any particular source; we’re open to anything from solar, to wind or hydro.”
Council is looking to commit to a contract by mid-2011 of about 20 years to maximise its value for Council and provide certainty for the supplier.
Cr Newman said Council’s electricity purchase is almost 100 gigawatt hours, which costs about $33 million per annum to power everything from street lights to Council buildings.
“By Council committing to purchase 100 per cent of its power from a supplier who builds a GreenPower plant Queensland, we’re providing an incentive for energy suppliers to take this giant step forward with us,” Cr Newman said.
“Currently, Council purchases electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources, but to guarantee renewable electricity supply at stable prices over the life of the contract we’ve decided to seek out a supplier who is as committed to sustainable energy supply in Brisbane as we are.
“With this commitment, Brisbane City Council will be the greenest government entity in Australia.”
Internationally there are many companies developing renewable energy technology and constructing renewable energy plants. In Australia companies like Snowy Hydro, AGL, Origin, Wind Prospect and Solar Systems are leading the way.
Benefits include:
- A guarantee of renewable electricity supply at stable prices over the life of the contract
- Protection against price increases caused by limited supply of renewable energy or normal electricity in the future.
- Protection against price increases for a possible future carbon price
- Economic benefits in Queensland from increased activity associated with the construction and operation of large renewable energy plant
- Improved environmental sustainability from a pollution free energy plant
- Achieving the 2026 vision and Lord Mayor target of directly sourcing Council’s energy requirements from renewable energy generation