Australia to join IRENA as it announces 1GW solar program

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) will gain a new member in the form of Australia, increasing the body’s influence as the Rudd Government plans to invest approximately AS$4.5 billion on renewable and clean energy initiatives. A key boost to solar has also been planned, which will see AS$1.6 billion spent on projects to generate 1GW and above of energy starting in 2010.

The Rudd Government said it was committed to ensuring that 20% of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The government will initially invest AS$1.365 billion in its new Solar Flagships program, which will see 1GW installed nationwide, but within close proximity to the existing electricity grid. The solar program would be underpinned by supporting specialised research, development, and demonstration programs.

Competitive bids will be requested as well as for a major project, said to be three times larger than large-scale projects in California. After bids are accepted, the projects are expected to start sometime in 2010.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that he wanted to coinvest with industry to create the economies of scale required to enable the country to benefit from its largest natural resource, the sun.

“What is the government’s mission? Rather than to be solar followers worldwide we intend to be solar leaders worldwide,” noted Rudd.

Read Next

Premium
August 7, 2025
July 2025, the peak of the Australian winter season, saw generation from utility-scale and rooftop solar increase by 12.78% year-on-year in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
August 7, 2025
Despite severe flooding in the Waiotahe Valley in New Zealand, Lodestone Energy has confirmed that its 42MW Te Herenga o Te Rā solar PV power plant has continued operations.
August 6, 2025
The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has published the approved list of models and manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells, which contains 13GW of annual nameplate capacity across six manufacturers.
August 6, 2025
Renewables asset owner Brookfield Renewable has acquired 19.7% indirect equity stake in US regional energy utility Duke Energy’s Florida portfolio.
August 6, 2025
The first MW-scale floating solar project in the Philippines has come online, according to solar EPC contractor Black & Veatch.
August 6, 2025
Clean Energy Associates has warned its clients of a renewed danger of Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act enforcement against solar PV products under US president Donald Trump and secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK