Options for supplying power to the Daintree community have been investigated in a report released today by energy market experts Sunverge.
The analysis, supported by $180,000 from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, examined five options to power the World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest. These included single and multiple electrical micro-grids with high renewables uptake and a gas micro‑grid with renewables and bio‑methane.
Federal Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg personally visited the Daintree community last year on the invitation of Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch to hear first-hand community concerns.
“I had the opportunity to meet members of the local community and see first-hand the situation where they are currently using diesel generators to power their homes and businesses,” Minister Frydenberg said.
“This Sunverge report is an important step forward. I commend Warren Entsch for his tireless advocacy for his local community on this issue.”
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch welcomed the release of the Sunverge report and said he looked forward to seeing real action and results moving forward.
“The comprehensive report outlined five recommendations but option one is the only practical solution in that it will deliver reliable mains equivalent power while delivering environmental outcomes through incorporation of innovative renewable technologies and massive reduction of fossil fuels,” Mr Entsch said.
“Australians would be horrified to learn that more than 10 million litres of diesel is burnt annually in the Daintree to power generators. This in itself is unacceptable. That’s why we must get serious about powering the Daintree.
“The time for talk is over. The Daintree community wants action.”
Mr Entsch said he was pleased to learn the Queensland Government had committed $1 million towards a plan to develop a solution to deliver sustainable energy for the Daintree.
“The onus is now on the Queensland Government to produce the business case so the project can go to tender,” he said.
“I will be watching closely the progress on this critical project.”
The Sunverge report is available here: https://arena.gov.au/knowledge-bank/powering-daintree/