WA Government issues renewable energy challenge

The challenge of finding a cost-effective solution to the energy concerns predicted to impact residents in the Pilbara and regional Western Australia has been opened to the public.  

The Renewable Energy Technology Challenge, a joint initiative between the Department of Commerce, the Pilbara Development Commission and Horizon Power, has been designed to address the need for a renewable energy smoothing device suitable for premises fitted with solar panels.

The challenge provides a $50,000 prize to the winner.

Science and Innovation Minister John Day said technology challenges were an effective way of encouraging innovation while identifying prospective technologies to solve specific problems impacting West Australians.

“Energy consumption in the Pilbara is expected to increase in the near to long term and renewable energy is an obvious solution to address this rise - harnessing renewable energy systems may provide an additional 16 MW of power on regional WA electricity grids,” Day said.

“New technical specifications for smaller regional electricity grids require many customers installing solar power systems to have a renewable energy smoothing device.

“There is currently no cost-competitive device available for small-scale renewable energy systems on the market. This challenge is looking for innovative individuals or organisations to develop a sustainable solution that can be adapted to fill this gap.” 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said he welcomed innovative ideas being developed and used in the Pilbara.

“The Pilbara Cities vision is about growing vibrant, attractive regional cities. It is exciting that the outcome of this technology challenge may lead to greater use of renewable energy in the Pilbara,” he said.

Applications close 22 March 2013. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/techchallenge.