Solar industry gives strong vote of confidence in ACT solar plans

The ACT Government's plans to make Canberra Australia's solar capital are being well received by the renewable energy industry, with almost 150 representatives attending a recent ACT Government briefing on plans for a large scale solar auction, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, said.

"I am excited to see that solar industry representatives from right around Australia are showing strong interest in the ACT Labor Government's plans to create Canberra as a leader in the use of renewable energy technologies," Mr Corbell said.

"The industry briefing was an important opportunity for the ACT Government to share information and answer questions about the large scale reverse auction process which is now underway."

"During and since the session, the ACT Government has been commended for its initiative with this project, which is great feedback from the experts in this field and I congratulate those in the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate for their hard work and dedication in this area."

Mr Corbell said that the strong attendance to the briefing and positive feedback was a key opportunity to improve the ACT's standing nationally on renewable energy, and to make Canberra the Australian solar capital.

"The ACT Government is committed to establishing large-scale renewable energy generation in the ACT as a means to meet the ACT's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets and to create a clean energy economy for the Territory," he said.

"I look forward to continuing engagement with the energy industry and seeing a range of proposals to deliver large scale solar in the ACT."

Completed bids for pre-qualification must be submitted by 10 April 2012.

For more information visit http://www.environment.act.gov.au/energy/solar_auction