Australia steps up investments in renewable energy

The Australian government has stepped up its investment in renewable energy, announcing A$235 million (US$210.06 million) in funding for four commercial-scale projects. The funding is expected to deliver almost 80 megawatts of renewable energy generation–enough to power 40,000 homes–from geothermal sources in South Australia; wave technology off Victoria; and an integrated wind, solar and biodiesel system on Tasmania’s King Island. Resources Minister Martin Ferguson said the projects would diversify supply and help deliver the government’s target of generating 20% of Australia’s electricity from renewables by 2020. (November 7, 2009)