Solar thermal power proposal for Mudgee

Mudgee District Environment Group (MDEG) will discuss a proposal for a solar thermal power station for the Mid-Western Regional Shire at a public meeting next week.

MDEG spokesperson Bev Smiles said a feasibility study of the solar thermal power station project had found it would cost tax payers much less than the proposed Cobbora coal mine while causing no threat to water sources, farming communities, biodiversity or the earth’s atmosphere.

The 50MW solar thermal power station would provide base load electricity supplies covering up to 30,000 homes between Mudgee and Coonabarabran.

MDEG member Ian McAdam, who has researched the feasibility of a solar thermal power generator for the Mudgee area, will present the details at the public meeting on Thursday, September 22, at The Stables, in Market Street, Mudgee at 6pm.

Ms Smiles said MDEG did not support the investment of $1.6 billion of NSW taxpayer’s money in the Cobbora coal mine project north west of Gulgong.

“This money would build five solar thermal power stations in the Central West with no further investment requirements beyond maintenance,” she said.

MDEG has invited Mid-Western Regional Council staff and councillors to attend the meeting to learn more about renewable energy options for the shire.

Gavin Smith, from national group Beyond Zero Emissions, will also present information on the options for Australia to reduce carbon emissions at the meeting.

Mr Smith has just returned from a trip to Spain and Portugal where the take up of solar thermal electricity generation is well advanced.