ACT considers large-scale solar power

The ACT government has joined with ActewAGL to fund a feasibility study into a large-scale solar power plant for the ACT.

When announcing the study, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said it was crucial that the government explored all options for large-scale products that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“A solar power facility, generating sufficient electricity to power many thousands of homes and businesses, could be one of the most effective — and cost-effective — ways of ensuring that we meet our reduction targets,” he said.

"The plant should initially be sufficient to supply solar energy to thousands of ACT homes, translating into a reduction of many tens of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions," said John Mackay, CEO of ActewAGL.

The study will look at which of the available solar technologies would be most appropriate and assess the economic and environmental impacts of such a facility.