Solar energy applications centre to be based in Perth

6/7/93

The world's first Centre for Applications of Solar Energy (CASE) will be based in Perth from October this year.

Australia's bid to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to secure the solar centre for Western Australia was judged in Vienna last week, with the State Government being notified today of its success.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett and Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan applauded the initiative and persistence of the Department of Commerce and Trade and the Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, Commonwealth Department of Primary Industry and Energy and the business sector in promoting the Perth bid for the project.

"The decision is an honour for Western Australia and a victory for the State and nation's emerging and highly-skilled renewable energy industry," Mr Barnett said.

The Minister said the centre would primarily establish appropriate solar energy systems to improve the living standards of people in developing countries of the Asia Pacific region.

"Access to a reliable energy source in these countries will enable effective vaccination programs to be introduced, clean water supply and, an important factor in South-East Asia, access to lighting and television to link communities to the rest of the country and the world," he said.

"The centre will also be involved in such projects as supplying solar-powered medical clinics for Red Cross services in Cambodia and Laos."

Mr Cowan said Australia, and increasingly Western Australia, was a leader in the research, development and manufacture of solar energy technologies.

He said the State's proximity to the developing countries of South-East Asia and Asia Pacific would enable the nation to develop stronger ties with the region.

The centre would promote the use of Australian equipment and technology and use mainly Australian-based consulting services.

"Establishing this centre in Perth will help generate employment and will allow for our solar energy industry to be recognised as developing world-class products, technology and expertise," Mr Cowan said.

State Government funding of $500,000 annually for five years will be matched dollar-for-dollar with the Federal Government.

The aim is for the project to be self-funding within five years through project management fees from international development and aid agencies and fees for its consulting work.

It will operate from temporary facilities at Murdoch University. The university has offered land in its science park for a permanent centre.

Media contact: Carolyn Vicars - 222 9686, Peter Jackson - 222 9595