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International Conergy solar projects set benchmark for Australia

As Australian debate about a national solar feed-in tariff heats up, international solar industry leader Conergy has urged the Australian Government to look overseas at the success of large-scale solar projects. Conergy recently sold El Calaveron in Spain, one of the world’s largest photovoltaic (PV) solar plants to a group of private investors, including British lead investor Impax Asset Management. The 21.2 MW project, which stretches over an area the size of 100 football fields, will produce approximately 40,000 MWh of solar electricity to at least 12,500 households annually.

The El Calaveron 21.2 MW solar power plant under construction

“Large scale photovoltaic power plants like El Calaveron would provide great long term infrastructure opportunities right here and is a compelling example of why the private sector should consider investing in renewable energy,” Conergy’s Managing Director Rodger Meads said. “As one of the largest players in the global solar industry, Conergy has the extensive expertise to deliver product, engineering, procurement and construction solutions on large scale solar projects like this one, in Australia. “With the Australian Government’s encouragement, and the right legislative and regulatory environment, this kind of large-scale project is just around the corner for Australians. “The El Calaveron project will soon be connected to the Spanish electricity grid, securing an attractive feed-in tariff worth the equivalent of AU$0.74 per kilowatt hour of generated energy,” Mr Meads said. Mr Meads said new Australian laws on a national feed-in tariff were referred to the Senate Environment Committee for discussion last week and that the Rudd Government has previously expressed support for a national approach on such a scheme. “From overseas experiences, it’s clear Australia needs a gross feed-in tariff to provide the incentive for the private sector to invest in solar projects,” Mr Meads said. “While large solar projects are obviously very valuable, the feed-in laws could effectively make every home, every business and every factory a potential power station. “We call on all Federal politicians to support the development of a comprehensive national gross feed-in tariff so we can see projects such as El Calaveron gain a firm foot here, in one of the sunniest countries in the world.” Further information:  Dana Hughes, Conergy Pty Ltd - 0407 772 579; 02 8507 2222

About Conergy
Since its founding in 1998, Hamburg-based Conergy AG has sold more than a gigawatt in renewable energy, making it one of the biggest suppliers of solar energy and other renewable energies, and a world leader in solar system integration. Of the one gigawatt in renewable energies, Conergy has installed more than 400 megawatts in its major projects, Of the total one gigawatt, 200 megawatts falls to its wind energy park projects and 800 to its globally marketed solar modules. Calculative one in ten modules worldwide was produced, sold or installed by Conergy. Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2005, the group pursues a global growth strategy, The company now produces, installs and designs solar power systems and wind turbines in around 15 countries. The Conergy Group is represented with its own branches on four continents.

Conergy Australia is a key player in the Australian renewable energy market, manufacturing and supplying high efficiency solar hot water, solar power and small wind power solutions. With an Australia-wide distribution network, state sales offices and warehousing in 4 key locations around the continent as well as in-house dedicated renewable energy engineers and sales teams, the company has become an important part of the Australian industry since it began operations here in 2005.

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