17/02/2011 Feed-In Tariff Extended To Include Medium Scale Generation
Published: February 17, 2011, 5:12 pm
Section: Simon Corbell, MLA | Media Releases
The ACT has again set an Australian-first by passing legislation to allow for medium scale solar installations to access the ACT's highly successful feed-in tariff, Minister for Energy, Simon Corbell, said.
"The passage of the Electricity Feed-in (Renewable Energy Premium) Act 2008 into law today takes Canberra another step towards becoming Australia's solar capital," Mr Corbell said.
"This legislation is very important for two reasons; firstly to give the solar industry the certainty it needs to invest in medium and large scale generation, and to ensure the ongoing success of the feed-in tariff scheme into the future," Mr Corbell said.
"We have already seen a high level of uptake in the micro generation category, with more than 3,500 installations on roofs in the ACT, and I am confident that there will be similar enthusiasm from the wider community to embrace the scheme.
"The amendments will be instrumental in supporting the growth of renewable energies in the ACT and the resulting emission savings and economic opportunities," Mr Corbell said.
Key aspects to the amended feed-in tariff legislation include:
- re-naming the existing household component as Micro Generator;
- creation of the Medium Generator and the Community Based Generation categories;
- introduction of capacity caps for both new categories (15 megawatts each);
- provide for a mechanism by which the Premium Price applicable to each category may be set and reviewed; and
- extend scheme eligibility to include not-for-profit community organisations.
"These amendments will enable both individuals and community organisations greater access to the scheme and a greater ability to do their part in reaching our greenhouse gas emission targets," Mr Corbell said.
"With these amendments, individuals occupying rental or structurally unsuitable properties will be able to more easily participate and community groups can develop co-operatives to collectively develop shared generators.
"To support the development of co-operative generators, my department has developed the Solar Pays Community Guide.
"The Community Guide provides information on the ‘what' and ‘how' of collective generators and will be an important and useful tool for community groups.
"The Government will also introduce separate legislation later this year to support the development of even larger scale facilities and will then follow this process with an auction for the first 40MW tranche."
"The Government will monitor closely the changes in market activity, and will respond accordingly to ensure that the clean economy continues to grow in the ACT."
For more information on the ACT Feed-in Tariff Scheme, visit http://www.solarcapital.act.gov.au/
Media Contact:
Patrick Cronan 6205 0401 / 0432 758 224