CDU helps build NT’s renewable energy future

The Northern Territory Government is harnessing CDU’s expertise in renewable energy in three research and development projects valued at $1.1 million.

Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Lauren Moss announced at the weekend funding for projects that would help the NT use renewable energy to deliver secure, reliable and affordable power.

CDU will receive funding over three years for three projects:

* $466,380 for Cost-Effective Maintenance of Remote Hybrid Mini-Grid Systems 

* $231,316 for modelling future solar energy production from households and businesses in the Greater Darwin Area

* $413,197 for Bioenergy for PV Hybrid Electricity Generation. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Research Training Professor Lawrence Cram welcomed the university’s role in solving problems related to energy in the Territory.

“These projects are prime examples of how knowledge that is developed by the Northern Territory’s university can be accessed for the benefit of the whole community,” Professor Cram said.

“CDU is a leader in the North in the area of renewable energy and our staff are ready to take on the projects and deliver the solutions.”

Minister Moss said increased investment in renewable energy created jobs and delivered cheap and reliable energy for business and families, providing a boost for economic development and population growth.

She said the NT Government was targeting 50% renewable energy by 2030.

A fourth research project, to be undertaken by the Centre for Appropriate Technology Ltd and valued at $388,576, will develop an investment grade renewable resource database to facilitate scaling of renewables in the NT.