The Greens have welcomed the announcement of a new solar thermal power station to be constructed near Morawa in Western Australia. 

The Solastor/Carbon Reduction Ventures consortium plans to complete the 1.5MW plant by 2014.

"The Midwest is fast developing a reputation as WA's solar hub, and this new announcement heralds the way forward for renewable energy," said Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam.

"The 1.5MW plant will be grid connected, but most importantly incorporates energy storage, allowing the plant to dispatch electricity for a period of time in all weather conditions.

"When we look back in a decade's time with very large scale solar thermal installations taking the place of existing fossil generators, the significance of the Solastor/CRV announcement today will be better understood.

"This technology has massive potential for Western Australia, and I congratulate all involved for bringing the project that much closer to fruition," Senator Ludlam said.

http://www.sciencewa.net.au/topics/technology-a-innovation/item/1754-was...

Media contact: Giovanni Torre - 0417 174 302