UNE - University of New England

12/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2024 08:39

Renewal energy transition potential

Renewal energy transition potential

Published 02 December 2024
The University of New England's renewable energy credentials were on show when the NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Heritage the Hon. Penny Sharpe toured the campus's solar farm on Friday.
Image: Dr Lou Conway, Professor Chris Armstrong UNE DVCR, UNE Masters student Remo Boscarino-Gaetano, Minister Penny Sharpe, Professor Karl Vernes and Brad Nixon, tour the UNE solar facility.

UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran said that the renewal energy transition and future industries aligned with energy are potentially transformative for UNE.

"UNE is the only university located in a regional area that will be central to Australia's response to the energy transition, and that is very exciting," said Professor Moran.

"Having the Minister face to face in Armidale provided a good opportunity for her to meet our new Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson. We were able to discuss the concept of a regional education endowment as a potential 'forever' positive legacy of the transmission line project.

"In terms of new industries that will emerge through the transition to renewable energy, I would like UNE to maximise the benefits of our regional location. We will continue to work with NSW government to explore the opportunities that may be possible for our community. There is a lot more the University can do in terms of housing and educating the future workforce, and working with community and government to codesign courses and research.

"The University already has projects underway in energy transition. We have our solar facility, which supplies around fifty per cent of our energy needs for the Armidale Campus, and there is potential for expansion including battery storage, technology pilots and ancillary services.

"We also undertake research in how biodiversity and renewable energy can coexist through our Renewable Energy Research Hub, which integrates expertise in agriculture, biodiversity and water systems. The UNE Solar Farm has been a perfect site for wildlife surveys and habitat creation to support ecological sustainability."

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