Sweet solution for North Qld energy
September 17, 2009
Green energy solutions involving sugar cane residue will be the centre of discussion this week as regional economic development organisations (REDOs) converge to discuss northern Queensland’s energy generation shortfalls.
The Federal Government’s new Renewable Energy Target legislation has opened the door for a host of green energy technologies, and Townsville Enterprise, Advance Cairns and the Mackay Whitsundays Regional Economic Development Corporation have seized this opportunity to push for energy generation in North Queensland.
The REDOs are joining forces with the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) and the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation to attract investment into harvesting the untapped resources of Queensland’s sugar producers.
Sugar mill cogeneration, producing power from bagasse (cane residue), is seen as a realistic long term proposition for existing businesses to help address the disparity in energy demand and supply across Queensland’s north.
More than 45 participants from the sugar industry, regional economic development organisations, bankers, technology providers, consultants and government departments will be meeting in Mackay this week to discuss potential opportunities in this area.
Townsville Enterprise Economic Development General Manager, Lisa McDonald, says the goal is to harness Queensland’s renewable energy potential for the benefit of all involved.
"The Federal Government has passed legislation setting mandatory renewable energy generation targets for Australia. We’re ahead of the curve in North Queensland because of the foresight of Regional Economic Development Organisations like Townsville Enterprise, Advance Cairns, the Mackay Whitsunday Regional Economic Development Corporation, and the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone," McDonald says.
Mackay Whitsundays Regional Economic Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Narelle Pearse, says the report found several options for renewable energy generation across greater north Queensland.
"Our report into renewable energy generation options for north Queensland identified bagasse as a feasible proposition, so we’re taking the next step towards making cogeneration throughout Queensland a reality by bringing the players involved together for this workshop," she says.
"This is the first time representatives from the sugar industry, regional development groups and government have come together to discuss cogeneration projects."