Options on table for Daintree power

POWER could soon be supplied to the Daintree community with energy market experts Sunverge investigating the option.

The analysis, supported by $180,000 from Australian Renewable Energy Agency, examined five options to power the World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest.

These included single and multiple electrical micro-grids with high renewables uptake and a gas micro-grid with renewables and bio-methane.

Federal Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg visited the Daintree community last year.

“I had the opportunity to meet members of the local community and see first-hand the situation where they are currently using diesel generators to power their homes and businesses,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“This Sunverge report is an important step forward.”

Federal Leichardt MP Warren Entsch said he looked forward to seeing real action and results following the release of the Sunverge report.

“Option one is the only practical solution in that it will deliver reliable mains equivalent power, while delivering environmental outcomes through incorporation of innovative renewable technologies and massive reduction of fossil fuels,” he said.

“Australians would be horrified to learn that more than 10 million litres of diesel is burnt annually in the Daintree to power generators. This in itself is unacceptable.

“The time for talk is over. The Daintree community wants action.”