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The Territory and Federal Governments are taking another step forward to combat climate change with tenders called today for delivery of the Araluen Art Centre Solar Air-conditioning project.

 

Acting Minister for Arts and Museums, Karl Hampton, said the Alice Solar City iconic project will be the first solar cooling project of its kind and magnitude in the world and will enhance Alice Springs’ reputation as a world leader in sustainable living and renewable energy.

 

“Climate change is one of the most important issues facing our community and that’s why we are striving to reduce our carbon emissions,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“Alice Springs and Central Australia will become a world-leading solar energy centre by 2020 as outlined by this Government’s Climate Change Policy and this project is an important step towards reaching that goal."

 

Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon said it is the first project of its kind in the Northern Territory where air-conditioning and building heating is generated by using solar energy.

 

“More than 20 jobs will be supported through this project with tender documents requiring the training and up-skilling of the local industry for ongoing maintenance works,” Mr Snowdon said.

 

Mr Hampton said the project is jointly funded by the Territory and Commonwealth Governments.

 

He said solar power would reduce electricity use at Araluen Arts Centre by about 50 per cent and gas usage by about 70 per cent.

 

“This project will add to Araluen’s many attractions with an interpretive display set up next to the solar field and an interactive graphical display will be provided in the entry foyer,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“Charles Darwin University engineering students will also be able to undertake ongoing thesis and research opportunities once the project has been delivered.”

 

The tender is open for five weeks with work set to be complete by the middle of next year.

 

Go to www.nt.gov.au/nreta for more information about the Araluen Arts Centre.

 

Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563 (Mr Hampton)

               Alice Plate 04000 45 000 (Mr Snowdon)
Related files:
Hampton.280110.Araluen.pdf ( 279.53 kb )