The Alice Springs Future Grid Project launched the Roadmap 2030 showcasing the future of renewable energy in Alice Springs. The launch included a guided walk of the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre boasting the largest multi-technology solar demonstration facility in the world.
The Northern Territory Government has partnered with the Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy to mandate agencies and power companies towards meeting 50% of the renewable energy targets by 2030.
Alice Springs Future Grid Project Director, Lyndon Frearson says the data gathered from the Bushlight Energy Archive shows electricity as a core enabler of livelihood development and renewable energy can support financial and wellbeing aspirations for all communities in Central Australia and the Northern Territory.
One of the biggest barriers for First Nations peoples in remote and regional communities is the financial stress of using prepaid power meters and cards. First Nations communities are directly impacted by the loss of country and cultural landscapes due to the coal mining industry and historically with that, comes the division between families when it comes to consent, consultation and decision-making for the go-ahead for mining projects.
Self-determination is about communities controlling their matters and obtaining financial independence and the Alice Springs Roadmap 2030 includes the vision for a broader renewable energy industry. Investment in localised trained workforces is needed to install and operate the technology and the equipment to drive the transition and industry to direct renewable energy into the power grid.
