Sunshine State commits to solar

Queensland’s Department of Energy and Water Supply (DEWS) has signalled a solid commitment to renewable energy supply, with a target of one million rooftops (3000 MW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) to be deployed in the state by 2020.

The Sunshine State already boasts 400,000 solar-connected households and small businesses — the highest number of installations in Australia. DEWS says this number is growing as solar PV becomes a cheaper option than grid-supplied power in many cases.

To support the 2020 target, the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) has commenced a public review into a fair price for the cost of solar energy for customers who already have solar installed.

The review began in late 2015 and the report was due mid-2016. There is no word yet on the department’s website regarding presentation of that report.

DEWS says this review differs from previous feed-in tariff reviews, as it will look at public and consumer benefits (social, economic and environmental) from exported PV generation and will also investigate a fair price for solar that does not have an unreasonable impact on electricity network costs for non-solar users.

Also in the mix is a commitment to supporting up to 150 MW of solar generation to encourage large-scale developments and investment. The Solar 150 initiative, in collaboration with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will help support local, large-scale solar projects, which will provide a long-term revenue contract to successful Queensland bidders.

A renewable energy study is investigating the development of a renewable energy economy in Queensland. The study is focused on public consultation and community engagement, providing an opportunity for all Queenslanders to contribute.

The Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply launched an independent Renewable Energy Expert Panel in January this year to assist the process and to consider a credible pathway to achieving a 50% renewable energy target by 2030. 

DEWS envisages that it will not be long before Queenslanders can choose to install battery storage systems to capture and use excess solar power, thanks to battery storage technology improvements and costs reductions.