There are times, in the Daintree Cape Tribulation rainforest, when rainfall is so overly abundant that it would seem irresponsible not to derive electricity from hydro-generation. However, the Queensland Government’s existing policy prohibits supply between properties, so hydro-potential can only exist on a per property basis and very few have both the requisite flow rate and head.
At Cooper Creek Wilderness, water is diverted from the creek in the above photograph, through a 63 mm poly-pipe at a flow rate of 1.2 litres/sec. The diversion travels just under 1.6 km and drops 59 metres, losing 21 metres through friction. The water is released under high pressure through a nozzle onto a pelton wheel, generating 52 volts at 5.1 amps DC or around 6 kwhrs/day.
The beauty of hydro-power, is that it is constant, 24-hours per day, for as long as the creek’s flow rate exceeds the intake requirements of the hydro-plant. By contrast solar-power is intermittent and at its very best, can only derive electricity when the sun is out. In a place of abundantly high rainfall and luxuriant canopy, it is even more elusive. The reality is, Queensland’s Electricity Policy for the Daintree Area ensures more than 80% reliance upon engine generators.
In a media release last Wednesday, Queensland Premier Bligh announced two new initiatives in ‘Queensland’s fight against climate change, including a pilot program to deliver zero emission solar energy to 1,000 households in regional Queensland’.
“The Government will bulk purchase 1,000 solar power energy systems to make the green, renewable energy source a viable option for Queensland families.
“Even with the current rebates currently offered by the Federal Government, Queensland families still face an out-of-pocket expense of between $4,500-$5,000 to install a 1kW system.
“Our aim with this scheme is to drive that out-of-pocket expense down to around $1,000-$1,500, making the solar choice a much more viable one.”
Within the same media release, Queensland’s Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara said Queensland was currently a low-user of solar power compared with other states.
“As at September last year, only 446 Queensland homes were using grid-connected solar power systems, compared with 2,045 in South Australia, 1,166 in Victoria and 1,007 in New South Wales,” Mr McNamara said.
“This initiative will take what is a boutique industry in Queensland to new heights and create a new wave of green collar jobs.”
The press release has drawn attention to another flawed aspect of existing policy, whereby the Daintree’s Renewable Power production is not available to Queensland through the grid. Queensland’s performance would certainly look healthier compared with other states if all of the renewable electricity generated in the Daintree region was not excluded.
The Premier has also announced that all relevant Cabinet proposals will now include an assessment of climate change impacts for Cabinet’s consideration.
“This means any proposals involving potential increases in greenhouse gas emissions – or projects that may be affected by climate change impacts such as sea level rise – must include an assessment of these issues for consideration by Cabinet.”
In the Daintree Cape Tribulation rainforest community, we are hopeful that this will draw renewed Cabinet consideration to the flawed Daintree policy and address the disgraceful emissions of the hundreds of concurrently running generators polluting both the rainforest and also the health of the sole tourism economy.
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.