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

April 30, 2025
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film solar manufacturer First Solar has issued revised guidance to reflect the expected impact of the implementation of new tariffs set by Donald Trump’s administration.
April 30, 2025
QatarEnergy has inaugurated two solar projects with a capacity of 875MW, which will more than double Qatar’s installed solar capacity.
April 30, 2025
Almaden has announced plans to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates, via its existing subsidiary Almaden (MENA).
April 30, 2025
Stonepeak has acquired a 46.3% stake in Repsol’s 777MW solar and storage portfolio currently in operation in New Mexico and Texas.
April 30, 2025
Spanish energy utility giant Iberdrola has reported huge profits of over €2 billion in the first quarter of 2025.
April 30, 2025
Daqo New Energy has posted gross losses of US$81.5 million, and a gross margin of -65.8% in the first quarter of 2025.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
May 7, 2025
Munich, Germany
Solar Media Events
May 21, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
June 17, 2025
Napa, USA
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
July 1, 2025
London, UK