ACS and Acciona candidates for opening up Australian solar thermal electric market
The Spanish construction and engineering firm, ACS, has presented an application through its industrial subsidiary Cobra Energía, for the tender to construct a 250-MW solar thermal electric plant in Australia as part of this country’s Solar Flagships programme. Another Spanish firm, Acciona, has also presented a bid for this project in partnership with Mitsubishi, as well as for another project to construct a 150-MW photovoltaic plant in Australia.
The applications were presented along with a further 50 applications during Round One of Australia’s Solar Flagships programme, which aims to demonstrate the operation of large scale solar power plants within a competitive electricity market.
Australia’s Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said the high number of applications for the $1.5 billion programme reflects the strong commitment to solar innovation within Australian industry. "The number and size of projects seeking support shows the solar energy sector is confident of the role it can play in Australia's electricity supply," he said.
Round One of the program aims to deliver 400 MW of combined solar generation capacity across two solar projects - one using solar thermal technology and one using photovoltaic technology. A wide range of solar technologies are covered by applicants including thin film and concentrating photovoltaic and solar thermal troughs, towers and dishes.
A seven-member council will then pare down the 52 applications received during Round One to a short-list of the most competitive proposals to be invited to undertake detailed feasibility and design studies. Final proposals will then be considered and it is intended that two projects – one solar thermal and one photovoltaic – will be announced towards the end of 2010.
For additional information:
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
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