Three new purpose-built state ofthe art weather stations are now live collecting and storing real-timemeteorological data which includes solar, wind, temperature, humidity and rain.
The high-resolution andhigh-quality data will support renewable energy research and development, aswell as a resource for developers to scope new projects and encourage renewableenergy investments into the Territory. This includes measuring solar irradiancewhich is important information for making investment decisions for solar energyprojects.
Attracting more renewable energyinvestments is an important step forward in achieving the Territory LaborGovernments target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.
There will be four weatherstations in total and they represent the different climatic zones of theTerritory. The four weather stations can be found at:
- Desert Knowledge Australia SolarCentre, Alice Springs (Live)
- Katherine Research Station,Katherine (Live)
- Haileybury Rendall School, Darwin (Live)
- Juno Learning Centre, TennantCreek (ComingOnline Soon)
The data collected from the new weatherstations are stored in an online database, is free and publicly available at: http://dkasolarcentre.com.au/locations/nt-solar-resource
The four weather stations formpart of the Northern Territory Solar Resource Project (NTSR). The Territory Governmentand the Intyalheme Centre for Future energy funded the Centre for AppropriateTechnology (CfAT) to develop this project.
As noted by Minister for Renewables, Energy & EssentialServices, Dale Wakefield
The Territory Labor Governmentsnumber one priority is creating local jobs. Delivering 50% renewables by 2030will deliver local jobs, and cheaper, cleaner power.
We have invested in four state of the art weatherstations. The data from the weather stations which includes measuring solarirradiance - is important information for solar energy investors. This data is beingcaptured through cutting edge technology and will also provide a foundation forrenewable energy research and development.
To achieve our target, we are supportingthe $40 million private sector investment in the 25MW Katherine Solar Farmproject, and the $59 million joint investment with ARENA for the Solar SETuPprogram providing 10MW of solar across 25 remote communities.
As noted by CEO of Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT), Dr.Steve Rogers
CfAT Ltd as a localAboriginal company is proud to have been involved in the weather stationproject, an important investment in achieving the NTs 50% by 2030 renewableenergy target. Our role in constructing and installing the Central Australiaweather station sites has provided employment and learning opportunities forour Facilities Management team and Aboriginal staff.
