The Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence was opened at TAFE SA’s Regency Campus by the State Training and Further Education Minister, Paul Caica.

Mr Caica said the fully-equipped centre would make TAFE SA the first registered training organisation in the state to deliver the new national Diploma in Renewable Energy.

State and federal funds enabled TAFE SA to have a dedicated site to deliver renewable energy studies. It offers training in the design and installation of wind generation, solar panel and grid-connected systems, and conducting energy audits.

“Among other things, this centre will allow SA to meet growing customer demand to have solar systems installed by accredited electricians, so they can attract the support of government rebates that have recently doubled in value”, Mr Caica said.

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“The Business Council for Sustainable Energy is predicting significant growth in employment in the photovoltaic industry in the immediate future.

“This new centre will enable the development of theoretical and practical skills in South Australia using state-of-the-art equipment to help fuel growth in this and other renewable energy industries.”

A crucial part of the centre design is roof access for students so they can train with photovoltaic solar and wind generation equipment in a realistic setting.

The Renewable Energy Centre will showcase a range of skills and technologies for the renewable, sustainable and demand-side energy management industry.

“It will provide significant training opportunities for both industry personnel and those with a general interest in the renewable and sustainable energy fields,” Mr Caica said.

The centre has 100 students enrolled this semester to undertake modules in the Certificate IV in Renewable Energy, with the full Diploma qualification to be delivered from next year. A complete suite of qualifications in Renewable and Sustainable Energy will be offered by 2009, once the Australian Government approves a new Electrotechnology Training Package.

It’s anticipated that when fully operational, the centre will feed power back into the national electricity grid.