31 March 2006 - Australian Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell,
today officially opened the $5.3 million National
Solar Energy Centre in Newcastle, which demonstrates
new solar technology.
Senator Campbell said the Centre would be used to
research and demonstrate the innovative use of solar
thermal technologies.
“What this Centre proves is that really can find
something new under the sun,” Senator Campbell said.
“The Centre’s solar tower will be used to provide
temperatures high enough to produce a solar gas
that contains over 26 per cent more energy than
the natural gas feeding into the system. This solar
gas can then be turned into solar hydrogen, enabling
solar energy to be stored and transported.
“This is an example of the ground-breaking technology
that the Centre will showcase to the world through
world-class, collaborative research and demonstration
projects.
“At peak operation, the Centre’s technologies will
generate enough electricity to power more than 100
homes.”
The Centre is a unique multi-solar collector facility,
comprising three main elements:
• a high concentration solar array that uses 200
mirrors to generate more than 500 kilowatts of energy
– it will be capable of achieving peak temperatures
of 1,000 degrees Celsius;
• a linear solar array that generates a hot fluid
at temperatures around 250 degrees Celsius to power
a small turbine generator; and
• a communications and control centre including
an elevated viewing platform
The linear array and turbine generator combine two
technologies to produce low cost electricity powered
by the sun – suitable for generating energy in remote
areas.
“Australia’s energy demand is expected to double
by 2050. It is essential that we meet this demand
with low emissions technologies as part of a broader,
multi-track approach to addressing climate change
– solar energy will be an important part of this
mix,” Senator Campbell said.
“Australia has an abundance of renewable energy
resources and parts of Australia receive the highest
levels of solar radiation on the planet. It is important
that we focus on removing the barriers and impediments
that prevent more people from using solar technologies.”
The National Solar Energy Centre is an initiative
of the CSIRO’s Energy Transformed Flagship, which
aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions; double the
efficiency of new energy generation, supply and
end use; and position Australia for a future hydrogen
economy.
