Broad leads energy delegation

The Wimmera-mallee’s potential for power-generation, sharing and security is likely to become clearer after a political fact-finding visit to Europe and the United States this week.

The region has been a significant target for renewable-energy projects and speculation is growing about where it fits in the national power-supply jigsaw.

Member for Mallee Andrew Broad is chairman of a parliamentary committee investigating the adequacy of Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution networks based on future needs.

He is leading the multi-party delegation to explore how power grids interact in Europe and America and whether Australia can learn from or adapt systems in place.

“It’s a quick visit. We’re there to work and gain as much insight as we can,” he said.

“We’re looking at what is available and how the grid interacts in Europe and the United States and how it might be adapted to fit our circumstances.” The four-person delegation will be in Germany for three days before flying to New York, Washington and California.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy’s terms of reference is to inquire into and report on the adequacy of the electricity transmission and distribution networks to support Australia’s future needs, giving particular consideration to: • The means by which a modern electricity transmission and distribution network can be expected to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of electricity at the lowest possible cost; • The current technological, economic, community and regulatory impediments and opportunities to achieving a modern electricity transmission and distribution network across all of Australia, and how these might be addressed and explored; and • International experiences and examples of electricity grid modernisation in comparable jurisdictions.