information for our energy future
information for our energy future
The following energy reports, research and discussion papers can be downloaded from the publisher's website, usually in pdf format. If you require alternative formats please contact the publisher directly.
June 2008
Clean Edge, Inc. Co-op America Foundation
The Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, provides a comprehensive roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to reach 10% of total USA electricity generation by solar power in 2025. The report outlines how solar power is beginning to reach cost parity with conventional energy sources and as solar prices decline and the capital and fuel costs for coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants rise, the USA will reach a crossover point by around 2015. The report provides a good forward view of how solar PV and solar thermal power generation can make a big contribution to zero emission electricity generation.
Download from: Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study (pdf 1.7 MB)
April 2008
The Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre Ltd
This report is a response to the Ministerial Council on Energy's (MCE) commissioned report to recommend improvements to the National Electricity Rules for network planning and connection arrangements relating to distributed generation. The Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre conclude that the recommendations, if implemented, would fall short of establishing network planning and connection arrangements appropriate for facilitating DG. The CUAC offer 19 recommendations to provide better facilitation and remove unintended consequences of the draft rules.
Download from: Beyond Free Market Assumptions (pdf 265 kb)
December 2007
Vencorp
The objective of this study was to identify the technical issues associated with the increased connection of wind power generation to the Victorian transmission network, and to determine the maximum amount of wind power generation that can be accommodated. Detailed system studies assessed the technical impact of wind power generation integration for demand levels of 4,000 MW, 7,000 MW and 12,000 MW.
Download from: Capacity of the Victorian electricity transmission network to integrate wind power (pdf 480 kb)
October 2007
Ministerial Council on Energy
The Ministerial Council on Energy Standing Committee of Officials has commissioned a number of reports on the cost-benefit of introducing smart meters. The focus of phase one is to define smart meter minimum functionality and performance levels. Phase two will explore the costs and benefits of a mandated national roll-out of smart meters and an alternative demand management strategy. The seven Phase I reports are now available for download in PDF format from the MCE website.
Download from: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Options for a National Smart Meter Roll-Out (html)