EcoGeneration

September/October 2008

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Hepburn’s dream for home-grown wind energy

Hepburn Wind is developing Australia’s first community-owned wind farm just outside Daylesford, Victoria. Sarah Robertson spoke with Hepburn Wind Directors Scott Kinnear and Koos Hulst about the development.

Searching for China’s golden wind

Roaring 40s Managing Director Mark Kelleher recently visited China as part of a clean energy business delegation. He spoke to Sarah Robertson about the visit and opportunities for Australia in a rapidly growing wind industry.

Intergrating wind energy into the grid - a technical priority in Australia

Tony Siebert

The Council of Australian Governments and the government’s Department of Climate Change are working hard toward a goal of a 20 per cent share for renewable energy in Australia’s electricity supply by 2020. Wind power will be a major contributor to achieving this goal, and it is not hard to see why.

Finding economic shelter in wind

With impending changes to the national economy, some Australian manufacturing firms are looking to opportunities in emerging industries like wind power generation to ensure their sustainable future. Sarah Robertson reports.

New turbine hits Australian shores

Conergy has recently introduced Proven Energy wind turbines to Australia’s small wind power market for homes, farms and other commercial applications. Kristine Pillai reports.

ATRAA - reconnecting solar for a bright future

The 31st ATRAA Conference and Exhibition saw over 400 solar industry representatives reconnect in Melbourne at a highly successful event. Sarah Robertson reports.

Solar innovation on display

ATRAA provided Australia’s solar and other renewable energy companies with the perfect opportunity to promote their latest products and innovation to the market. Kristine Pillai reports on some of the products on show at the event.

Solar provides new Bounty for Norfolk Island

Glen Morris

Glen Morris, a Victorian based renewable energy trainer, spent two weeks on the external Australian territory Norfolk Island, training all nine of Norfolk Island’s electricians to become accredited solar PV installers.

Past and future PV market development in Australia

Long-standing member of the solar PV industry, Dr Muriel Watt, discussed the Australian PV industry’s place in the international PV market as well as the effective introduction of a national feed-in tariff. The following is a summary of her well-received ATRAA presentation.

Future Melbourne - making Melbourne sustainable

Rated a few years ago as the world’s most liveable city, Melbourne hopes to set new records by becoming one of the world’s most sustainable cities by 2020. Kristine Pillai reports.

VEET scheme targets energy efficiency

Paul Fearon

2009 will usher in a new era of climate change initiatives in Victoria when the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme officially commences.

Six green stars reward Bond’s sustainable success

Bond University is leading the way towards greener education, officially opening its 6 Green Star Mirvac School of Sustainable Development. Kristine Pillai reports on the building’s energy efficient features.

The global race to energy efficiency

A report has shown that Australia is lagging behind in energy efficiency and productivity but has significant opportunities to improve. Kristine Pillai reports.

Realising the zero-emission home

Dr Peter Lyons

Energy efficient buildings will play a major role in reducing energy use and carbon emissions. Dr Peter Lyons of Peter Lyons & Associates looks at the importance of high-performance windows in improving Australia’s energy efficient buildings and realising the zero-emissions home.

Saving money and energy with the flick of a switch

A new energy saving switch is set to save businesses money, energy and reduce unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, all with the flick of a switch. Kristine Pillai reports.

Delivering Australia’s climate change policy

In late July, Senator Penny Wong spoke to Australia’s clean energy industry representatives about Australia’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and the expanded Renewable Energy Target as two policies that immediately present great opportunities for the industry. Sarah Robertson reports.

Science and innovation on the clean energy agenda

Clean energy technology development and innovation has been given a Federal Government boost, with the commencement of the Climate Ready program and the launch of the Climate Adaptation National Research Flagship. Kristine Pillai reports.

Prospering in a brave new world

A recent review of the Australian Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme has warned businesses that quickly understanding, adapting and taking action are key to survival in a brave new carbon-constrained world. Sarah Robertson reports.