climateXchange

Post edited 9:58 pm – November 24, 2011 by OutandAbout

SEE-Change’s new Canberra Clean Energy Collective had a big turnout at its first public forum on the 23^rd of November.

Ben Elliston gave a rundown on his recent visit to the Gemasolar solar thermal
plant in Spain. Apparently, the plant’s solar concentrating tower is about the
same height as Black Mountain Tower! It produces enough energy to power 25,000 homes.

Bill Gresham told us about some interesting renewable energy initiatives in
central Queensland, including solar thermal air-conditioning for homes.

Lawrie McIntosh highlighted some other exciting renewable energy community initiatives, such as the Hepburn wind farm and Bendigo solar farm in Victoria, and the aim of the town of Newstead to run completely on renewable power. He also mentioned the US Solar Mosaic program and the experience of Woking in the UK, which dramatically reduced its energy use. The man who was responsible for the Woking success went on to work in London and now is helping Sydney with reducing its carbon emissions.

The Canberra Clean Energy Collective is planning more activities, and has been surveying people to find out what they would like it to focus on, so it will be exciting to see what they come up with.