Intyalheme leading way for bright future in renewables | Centralian Advocate

Every year, EcoFair shines a light on science and sustainability in Alice Springs. On Sunday DKA was proud to contribute to energetic discussions about renewable energy both at the EcoFair hub at the Todd Mall Markets and at the Future Energy Forum where DKA’s Sara Johnston presented Intyalheme‘s vision for a clean energy future in the NT and across Australia. Thanks to Arid Lands Environment Centre for hosting this vibrant community event.

Johnston was joined at the Future Energy Forum by the Hon Dale Wakefield (Minister for Renewables and Essential Services) and fellow speakers Harshini Bartlett (RePower Alice Springs) and Sonya Williams (Cities Power Partnership). Ms Johnston described the Alice Springs power grid as a microcosm of larger power systems such as the National Electricity Market. “While we transition the Alice Springs power system to be able to accommodate more renewable energy, lessons from the centre will have broad relevance, not only to the other grids in the NT, but also across Australia. It’s on this basis that the significant opportunity exists to reposition Alice Springs once again as the hub for future energy, with people across Australia looking to us for answers.”

Ms Williams congratulated Alice Springs on its commitment to renewable energy, saying “for a town of 28,000 people, you’re really punching above your weight in terms of capability, technical skills, knowledge, even universities working in collaboration with government and private sector.”

Minister Wakefield was similarly enthusiastic about Intyalheme and the innovative work being done in Alice Springs.

“I think one of the things that was exciting about today was the leadership that the Intyalheme project is showing and the opportunities we have in Alice Springs to really be world leaders in the solar space. We have very strong organisations in Alice Springs that bring local knowledge and expertise and passion to this area.”