Investment by the Australian Government in interactive maps of Australia’s electricity grid will help identify the most valuable locations to invest in renewable energy.
Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt said it was critical that we make the best, most efficient use of renewable energy.
“Investing in technology to map the most valuable locations to invest in renewables will drive further investment in renewables innovation.
The online resources were developed by the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) with $453,000 funding from the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
This Government is delivering more renewable energy and lower electricity bills.
This important work by UTS, supported by the Australian Government, is a step towards reducing peak electricity demand and showing where renewables can add the most value.
As part of the three-year project UTS will seek public feedback on the interactive maps and continue to incorporate more data from network service providers for a new release of the maps in May 2016.
The mapping data is hosted on the Australian Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure platform, which is being developed with funding support from the Australian Government.
“Maps drive increased investment in renewables by showing investors where they will deliver the greatest return”, Minister Hunt said.
This Government is providing over $15 billion in support for renewables and lower emissions.
We have announced the Office of Climate Change of Renewables Innovation which will coordinate the levers of climate and renewables policy in this Government.
The work of the Australian ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is being integrated with the Renewable Energy Target and the Emissions Reduction Fund.
(ENDS)