|
|
Renewable and alternative energy are becoming more relevant as Australia strives to achieve targets set by the Kyoto greenhouse conference last year and electricity authorities conform with the Federal Government requirement for more electricity from renewable energy sources over the next decade.
 Western Power Managing Director David Eiszele anticipates the result will be a bigger demand for the already scarce supply of specialist renewable energy engineers.
To help overcome that likely shortage of skills, Western Power and Murdoch University have joined forces to establish the Western Power Chair of Renewable Energy Engineering at Murdoch.
Energy and Education Minister Colin Barnett launched the unique project at Fremantle recently.
Mr Eiszele and Murdoch Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Jeff Gawthorne signed the agreement to set up the Chair.
"Our involvement continues our excellent performance in renewable energy over the past two decades. Western Power leads Australia in applications of wind energy for example," said Mr Eiszele.
"The expertise to design, manufacture and install large scale renewable energy systems on electricity grids is spread thin.
"Renewable energy technologies whether wind, solar, biomass or tidal need to be brought in to the mainstream of electricity generation if Australia is to meet its new greenhouse targets.
"We need more than just the technology. We need the people with the expertise and confidence to work with renewable energy technologies on the same footing as gas turbines or coal fired power generation," said Mr Eiszele.
 |
| "Murdoch is one of Australia's leading centres for energy research, development and education." |
|
Western Power, Murdoch and the Alternative Energy Development Board are contributing nearly $1 million to ensure this environmentally important project is a success. Western Power's and Murdoch's share is $400,000 each and the AEDB $100,000.
Professor Gawthorne said the establishment of the Western Power Chair of Renewable Energy Engineering is a true example of the benefits that can flow from cooperation between industry, government and higher education.
"Murdoch is one of Australia's leading centres for energy research, development and education," he said. "The Western Power chair adds a strong practical string to its renewable energy bow through the engineering field.
"This will be the first established chair of Renewable Energy Engineering in WA.
"It will develop a skilled workforce for the industry, enhance the balance and content of the University's energy engineering curriculum and assist Western Power to make practical use of renewable energy technologies.
"And most importantly it will assist Australia to meet its Greenhouse undertakings."
|