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Forum Index : Windmills : Australian Solar Technology
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5078 |
Interresting article on Catalyst ( ABC Tv ) tonight about the latest developements by CSIRO on solar power generation. Some interresting facts about Australia... 1. We have the largest experimental solar collectors in the world. 2. We have the most intense sunlight of anywhere else in the world ( and the highest rate of sun cancer ) 3. A solar collector 50 * 50 km in the middle of the country would provide all our power needs until 2020. 4. Several coal burning power stations are now installing solar pre-heaters for the water supply to the boilers, saving hugh amounts of coal and CO2 emmisions The message was the technology is now mature, but the ecconomics are not, it would cost 3 times as much to build a solar power station compared to a coal fired station. Why spend billions on building the worlds first fussion reactor when we already have one, up there in the sky. Infinate clean power for all time, we just need to tap into it. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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makourain Senior Member  Joined: 19/04/2006 Location: Posts: 111 |
education is the problem. people dont beleive that solar or wind can produce any useful amount of power. they beleive wind gens and solar panels are just gimmicks. :( |
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Bryan1 Guru  Joined: 22/02/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1344 |
That is one of the problems but the main problems are getting the politicians with their pockets full of bribes from the gas and coal industry from lying that greenhouse gas emmisions from power generartion plants in Oz are a must. Just look at the Derby WA tidal power proposal- it was proved that a pilot plant could supply 1/2 the local power needed but the pollies went ahead and demanded a gas turbine based system to be installed. This meant 100's of Kilometres of native bush was destroyed just to put the pipe line in. Unfortuantly we people on alternate power are in the minority in Oz and it wouldn't matter how many blackouts the main cities get the main population just can't see thru their power bill to a cheaper and better alternative. Just my 2.2 cents Cheers Bryan |
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| AllanS Regular Member  Joined: 05/06/2006 Location: Posts: 67 |
I read the other day that the uranium in Australia is worth more in dollar terms than the oil in the Middle East. This means we'll be seeing nuclear reactors in Aus before a whole-hearted commitment to solar etc. The whole point about power is that I own it and you buy it. This forces you to do as I tell you, makes me feel secure and superior, and funds my Retirement Plan. Power forces wealth down the pipe and into my pocket. Very cosy. Renewables, on the other hand, are far too democratic. |
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| RossW Guru Joined: 25/02/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 495 |
There's one more major thing. Centralised electricity generation facilities represent great CONTROL. "Do as I say or I turn OFF the switch". Governments (federal and state) jump through hoops if they think someone will/might/could disrupt the electricity supply. If everyone had enough of their own to be even *mostly* self-sufficient, this threat is reduced or eliminated. For example, apart from my business needs, from a personal, household PoV, I couldn't give a rats if someone said power was going to $5/KWH. It simply no longer affects me because I make 100% of my needs. But boy, how things might change if the other 19.9 million people in this country did the same! |
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| AllanS Regular Member Joined: 05/06/2006 Location: Posts: 67 |
Not being paranoid, but having a few massive power stations might be secure in peace-time, but a couple of smart bombs and the whole country grinds to a halt. Imagine instead if every community had it own renewables. Try bombing all those. Of course, we all know a war will never happen to us. |
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