Study into increasing WA's renewable energy generation

Increasing renewable energy in the state's main electricity grid is the focus of a report released today.

The report, 'Maximising the penetration of intermittent generation in the SWIS', resulted from a Government-commissioned independent study into increasing the ability of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) to accept higher levels of energy from generators who use renewable resources.

Energy Minister Francis Logan said the report looked at ways that Government, network operators and industry could increase renewable generation on the SWIS.

"The Carpenter Government is committed to promoting the renewable energy industry by identifying and implementing strategies that will provide them with greater opportunities in the energy market," he said.

"The abundance of renewable energy resources presents an opportunity for increased use of renewable energy generation in this state. The Government will take into account the report's findings and the issues raised in public submissions in its future policy development processes.

"The report provides a welcome independent, expert review of some of the issues that need to be faced by industry and Government in planning for the renewable energy industry."

The Minister said he was pleased the authors had found that elements of the Government's new market design and regulatory structure represented world's best practice in their ability to accommodate the characteristics of intermittent renewable generators.

"The report was commissioned as part of the Government's sustainable energy initiative policy, which includes a commitment to increase the amount of renewable energy sold on the State's main electricity grid to six per cent by 2010," he said.

"Renewable energy projects across the state, including solar and wind farms, currently have a total capacity of about 170MW, with another 80MW of renewable energy projects either under development or committed for construction."

The study was conducted by Econnect Pty Ltd, a company with extensive experience in the connection of renewable electricity generators in European markets.