The federal government's $A1.4 billion (about 1.2 Mrd. CHF) investment in large solar power farms will help make it a leader in solar energy, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says. On Sunday he visited the Liddell power station in the NSW Hunter Valley to outline how the $1.4 billion, announced in last week's budget, would be spent. In the next six months, the tender specifications will be defined, then in the first half of next year the successful tenderers will be chosen. Up to four solar power plants, with a combined power output of one coal-fired power station, will then be constructed.
The solar power plants will have to be built close to the electricity grid and in areas with plenty of sunshine, Mr Rudd said. "Rather than to be solar followers worldwide we intend to be solar leaders worldwide," he said. Mr Rudd warned that if the opposition blocked savings measures in the budget, projects like the solar farms - and increased pensions - would be jeopardised.
Australia has also joined a new organisation that aims to speed up the global renewable industry. More than 80 countries have already joined the International Renewable Energy Agency, established in January this year. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said participating in the agency will strengthen Australia's role as a global leader in tackling climate change. "This underlines Australia's commitment to tackling climate change by taking a global leadership role in reducing carbon pollution and supporting innovation," Mr Rudd said in a statement.
(AAP)
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