Prospects for alternative energies are increasing through the climate change debate, the demand for “green” or environmentally friendly technologies and the increasing price of oil. Biofuels, solar power and wind power can expand the agricultural base and are worthy of further investigation. Regional advantages include high levels of sunlight, proximity of major transmission lines, and established manufacturing industries. Opportunities exist for gas peaking power stations. Potential resources for the future include coal deposits around Sedan and Moorlands.

BIO-FUELS - strong option for the region

• Mallee fuel agro-forestry currently piloting on Mallee farming properties.
• Biofuels have potential to add value and diversify drought affected regions.
• Large and small scale bio-fuels industries options.
• Potential small town community biofuels industry.
• Potential for large scale plant on the Tailem Bend/Murray Bridge corridor.

SOLAR POWER - potential alternative power source.

• Ample sunshine and available transmission lines for power transfer.
• Broad region suited to large scale solar plant supported by industrial sector.
• Commonwealth Government offers support for domestic solar panels.
• City of Adelaide defined as solar city with panels on city buildings.
• Domestic/industry potential to transfer power presents opportunities for expansion of existing solar industries and future investment as residential housing sector expands.
• Murray Bridge/Tailem Bend corridor ideally placed for large Solar Farm feeding power into major transmission system.
• Specialised solar industry with Murraylands as a centre for innovative technology creating long term employment in solar power industries and solar farm maintenance.

WIND POWER - opportunities for wind farms around the Lower Lakes

• Southern ocean wind patterns favour wind power development around the Lower Lakes region.
• Potential for complementary industries at Lower Lakes – desalination plant, wind power and expansion of salt industries.