The Federal government’s 75 million AUD Solar Cities programme is gathering pace following the release of a call for Expressions of Interest on April 15. Proponents have until July 8 to prepare their outline submissions for assessment by the Australian Greenhouse Office. A number of concepts will then be invited to develop full business proposals, from which four Solar Cities trials will eventually emerge.

The initiative is predominately focused on improving energy performance and reducing peak demand of existing residential and commercial buildings. Each of the projects must incorporate PV, energy efficiency measures, smart metering and load management strategies. Adelaide, which faces some of the most severe electricity network and generation constraints and highest retail tariffs in the country is assured to host one of the trial projects. As many as twenty Consortia across the country are believed to be preparing bids.

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