Solar

Centre for Renewable Energy

Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island (RDA,AH,F,KI) is seeking support to establish a new regional a Centre for Renewable Energy

The aim of this project is to build on the good work the City of Victor Harbor has been doing in the field of renewable energy.  In addition to instigating a program that has led to over 1,000 homes installing solar energy systems, City of Victor Harbor has established a collaborative Research & Development program with the University of Adelaide.

This paper provides an outline of a proposal to continue the drive for the region to be leaders in the development and application of renewable energy systems.

RDA,AD,F,KIhas developed a concept of a new business and education enterprise centre based in our region. This centre would provide facilities that would encourage innovation and enterprise and stimulate new business for the region.

The new centre will mesh academia, enterprise and innovation to develop new skills and technologies.  It is an ideal platform for the region to develop further renewable energy systems. 

Clearly the success of this project will be determined by RDAAD,F,KI’s ability to seek support from federal and state government agencies with principle support of $100,000 from Victor Harbor’s renewable energy fund acting as a nucleus.  These funds would not be called upon until substantial supporting funds have been secured from other bodies and a full business case has been prepared.  .

Vision

The Centre for Renewable Energy would likely be a first in regional Australia.  Its role would be to promote and showcase the development of systems that have real practical applications and could be brought to commercialisation at an early stage.  It would encourage innovation and provide links to research, manufacturing and market testing all within an hour or so of the state’s capital city.

The centre would

  • Act as an information centre to disseminate the latest on grants, programs, business opportunities and industry trends
  • In collaboration with research institutes, establish the centre as a field test bed for prototypes
  • In collaboration with educational institutes, establish specialised study programs leading to the development of both
    academic and vocational expertise
  • Encourage the establishment of manufacturing sites in the region
  • Strive to develop smart systems working with the electronics and communications industries so that in addition to
    producing energy, efficient metering and distribution systems can be developed
  • Collate intelligence and provide data on inputs; wave, solar and wind, in order to attract institutions and industry to carry
    out work at the centre
  •  Be the shop front for new industries and programs where new businesses can be creative and flourish
  • Advocate for investment and development of renewable technologies

Corporate Model

It is envisaged that the Centre would form the nucleus or foundation of a new enterprise centre being investigated by RDA,AD,F,KI.  A modular concept that can grow and adapt to meet changing circumstances has been developed.  RDA,AD,F,KIhas outgrown its current offices and would likely be a key tenant and manager of the new centre.

This investigative work has determined that under certain circumstances opportunities exist for a successful development.  The model developed can be varied due to circumstances; however each enterprise centre as a combination of anchor tenants, recent start up businesses or those businesses in their early growth phase.

A design of a suitable building that has the following characteristics has been commissioned. 

  • Form a key element of a professional, training and administrative hub west of the town centre. 
  • Cater for new and existing businesses, professional offices and government agencies.
  • A modern building suitable for professional businesses. 
  • Excel in environmental and energy attributes as well as meeting current and future demands for information and
    communication technology.   
  •  Establish close links with the new TAFE, working collaboratively to benefit the region.

This is clearly an ambitious project and all of the elements will need to be incorporated to ensure success.

For further information contact Director of Strategy & Major Projects, Terry Lee, Email: terryl@rdahc.com.au