WHEN an old, dirty technology came knocking on the Camden Haven’s door, promising the solution to peaking power problems through burning diesel, there was a public outcry. But it seems an even older technology may be the solution to the approaching energy crisis.
At last week’s meeting of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce members heard about what is being done to find environmentally sound ways to power homes and businesses. Speakers included chamber secretary Peter Newman, Dan Williams principal environmental scientist with consulting group GHD, MP Rob Oakeshott and Country Energy regional general manager Andrew Latta.
“We were motivated by the Herons Creek Power Plant to find alternative power solutions,” said chamber secretary Peter Newman.
“In that respect I think the power plant was a good thing because it really shocked us all that this diesel plant proposal was the only solution offered to deal with peaking power problems.”
Member for Port Macquarie Rob Oakeshott said the momentum started in the Camden Haven with the diesel power plant proposal is continuing, rather than dissipating since the plan was defeated.
“This is further evidence of what the Camden Haven has started and they should be proud that the ripple is now turning into a wave that includes Port Macquarie residents as well. For the business chamber to be engaged on the topic of alternate energy sources is fantastic, and a sign we are now really starting to see some cut-through on the topic of our region’s energy mix for the future,” he said.
At the meeting Mr Newman spoke about two solar thermal companies, with their beginnings in Australia, Ausra and Lloyd Energy Systems.
Lloyd Energy Systems develops smaller-scale solar thermal power plants and currently has contracts with local supplier Country Energy to build renewable energy power plants in NSW.
In basic terms, solar thermal energy uses mirrors to focus sunlight to heat water, create steam and drive an engine, creating energy.
“It is an ancient concept,” Mr Newman said.
“Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks contained designs for solar concentrators. A 55 kilowatt solar-powered pumping station was brought online in Egypt in 1913.
“The current technology was developed in Australia and is now being used to generate clean energy.”
Mr Newman said Ausra is currently building large-scale power plants in the USA and their innovations make solar power competitive with fossil fuel power.
“The Pacific Gas and Electric Company in the US, with Ausra, are constructing a 177 mega watt solar thermal power plant in California which will generate electricity to power more than 120,000 homes.”
The diesel-fuelled power plant proposed for a site at Herons Creek earlier this year was a 120 mega watt station. While solar stations need larger amounts of land, Mr Newman estimates three to four acres are needed per mega watt of power, he said smaller plants to address peaking power could be built on the vast amount of vacant land in the Hastings.
“Our region survives on tourism,” he said.
“Imagine if the diesel plant had not been defeated. That would be at the gateway to the Camden Haven and Port Macquarie. We do need a power plant in our region but we don’t want a dirty one. We want something consistent with our tourism economy. We want clean energy. We would use that in our tourism marketing campaigns. We should be [looking to clean power] not because of fear about climate change but because we live in a beautiful place.”
Dan Williams, principal environmental scientist with consulting group GHD spoke to chamber members about options available to businesses to reduce their carbon footprint (see inset below).
“Even if you’ve got an old inefficient building you can retro-fit devices or transfer to green power production and Country Energy have those options available, you can educate the staff or residents of the building on how to use the retro fitted devices to have the best chance at reducing emissions,” Mr Williams said.
For business and developers Mr Williams said understanding climate change and sustainable energy made good financial sense.
“If you’re going to build a structure or development these days you’ve really got to look at who the client is going to be in the next 10, 15, 20 years. You need to have a good building with a top energy rating or you will lose money on the development. It makes good financial sense for your investment to embrace sustainability. The same can be said for housing developments. There are housing precincts going ahead in Canberra that are carbon neutral and they’re setting the benchmark for Port Macquarie.”
Both Mr Williams and Mr Newman said since last Tuesday’s meeting, feedback was encouraging.
Mr Newman said, “It’s exciting stuff and we should be leading the way because it’s good for us to be clean and green.”