Western Australian energy retailer Synergy's call for expressions of interest in large scale solar generation on the back of the Federal Governments Solar Flagships program is a welcome opportunity for renewable energy generation in Western Australia says the WA Sustainable Energy Association.

Synergy's call for expressions of interest in large scale solar generation on the back of the Federal Governments Solar Flagships program is a welcome opportunity for renewable energy generation in Western Australia according to the WA Sustainable Energy Association, the peak body for all enterprises interested in a sustainable energy future.

The Federal Government Solar Flagships Program will provide $1.5 billion to support the construction and operation of solar power stations around Australia.

According to a statement by Synergy, they are interested in proposals to develop WA-based solar projects connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) in the range 0.5 MW to 50 MW capacity, although they will consider proposals significantly in excess of 50 MW of capacity if a compelling case can be made.

Western Australian Energy Minister Peter Collier has reiterated that the Barnett Government is committed to build 20 per cent of the State's electricity generation from renewable sources by 2020, as well as responding to the national emissions trading scheme.

‘If we are going to build renewable energy for the future, investors need firm commitments for forward sales, and the process Synergy has now embarked on may be able to offer that certainty for the right project,' says Prof. Ray Wills, Chief Executive of WA SEA.

However, the Solar Flagships program at this point requires state government support, and WA SEA hopes that the Barnett Government is prepared to provide the necessary support for bids by Western Australian-based project proponents.

WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 2 December 2009

Editors notes:
1. Minister Collier media statement http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=132850
2. Synergy Announcement http://www.synergy.net.au/about_us/solarflagship.xhtml
3. The Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) is a chamber of businesses boasting a growing membership of 260 industry members from a diversity of businesses, and now the largest state-based industry body of its kind in Australia. www.wasea.com.au.