North Coast Energy Forum
Friday, 25 November 2016 ~ Coffs Harbour
Here in this part of Australia, we like to think we are living in a clean, green part of the world.
In some respects, maybe that’s true (is that the screech of cockatoos I hear outside my window?). But as far as our energy supply goes, we are lagging a long way behind national, let alone international, best practice.
Sure, we have installed a reasonable amount of rooftop solar ~ about one in five households, more than some other regions, less than others. But all of that solar only accounts for less than one-tenth of the energy we consume. We still get most of our electricity from the Hunter Valley, and most of it is generated from dirty coal. Out of sight, out of mind?
What’s the solution? That’s what we ~ government, industry and the community ~ have been coming together at the North Coast Energy Forums since 2010 to nut out together. In short, while there has been progress since then and there are some great innovative projects underway, there are no silver bullets. Technological changes like affordable batteries will help, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work from many people in a range of areas.
I don’t want to spoil the fun by giving too much away. But there are some surprises in store, some low hanging fruit (hello, as ever, energy efficiency!) ripe for the picking, and some old sources of renewable energy in the region that have fallen into disrepair and are calling out for capital and commitment to bring back into service (the hydro stations at Nymboida and Oaky).
Also, batteries and micro-grids are starting to shift the balance of power (pardon the pun) towards local energy systems. Households, businesses and communities are taking control of their own energy generation, storage, management and export. It’s a new paradigm that the old energy players are having trouble fitting in to their mindset, business models and regulations.
Early bird Tickets are extended until 7th November 2016.
Secure your place ~ tickets available here.
This will give you time to review the action packed program for this year’s program
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