Page 22 - Climate Control News June 2021

Renewables & Energy Storage
EC fan
Time to leverage SF6-free technology
SF6 is used at power stations and electrical substations.
ZIEHL-ABEGG AND POWERCHILL have completed a mechanical system upgrade at 116 Miller Street, North Sydney.
The project involved the replacement of two old backward curve fans with new retro- fit EC plug fans.
The upgrade included two chillers and two cooling towers.
Recognising the huge benefits that accompa- ny an EC fan upgrade, these projects have gener- ated a lot of interest in the local market.
A job well done.
upgrade
AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY SECTOR must accel- erate efforts to mitigate the dangers of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), one of the most harmful greenhouse gases.
Eaton ANZ general manager for power distri- bution, Kevin Nesdale, said SF6 is 23,500 times more potent than CO2.
Nesdale said it remains in the atmosphere for 3,200 years.
“Despite this it is widely used in the electrical industry within switchgear, from large thermal power stations to renewable generation to elec- trical sub-stations, to insulate and switch elec- tricity,” he said.
“Last year, the European Union released a report detailing the alternatives to SF6 in switchgear and related equipment in a bid to phase out the gas.
“The EU is seeking to cut harmful green- house gas emissions by two-thirds between 2014 and 2030.”
Nesdale said international markets are mak- ing strides to leverage SF6-free technology.
“Now it is time for Australia to act otherwise we risk seeing this hugely hazardous and unin- tended consequence of the green energy boom continue to negatively impact international ef- forts to manage global warming.”
Nesdale commended last month’s Federal Budg- et and the government’s investment of $1.6 billion to fund and prioritise clean energy technologies.
“The government is adopting low emission technologies to reduce emissions but that com- mitment should include SF6,” he said.
“The Budget speaks of a nation that will play a leading global role by partnering with other nations to accelerate the commercialisation of low emissions technologies. So, now’s the time to make this a reality and set the scene for SF6- free technology to become the norm for Aus- tralian industry.”
Clean energy apprenticeships
Eligible industries: rooftop solar installation and large scale renewable projects.
THE FEDERAL OPPOSITION last month an- nounced a $100 million plan to support 10,000 apprenticeships in clean energy.
Presenting his reply to the federal budget, La- bour leader Anthony Albanese, said apprentices who choose to train in new energy industries will receive up to $10,000.
This includes $2,000 on commencement, and $2,000 a year for up to four years afterwards.
Examples of eligible industries include roof- top solar installation and maintenance, large- scale renewable projects, energy efficiency up- grades to homes and businesses, green hydrogen, renewable manufacturing, and relevant agricul- tural activities.
The funds will be made available over four years.
RIGHT: Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
Labour will also invest $10 million in a New Ener- gy Skills Program.
Climate Council Campaigns Director, Alix Pearce, said funding apprenticeships in sectors like clean energy and clean manufacturing will help young Australians seize emerging opportu- nities in the job market.
“Support for apprenticeships in sunrise indus- tries also offers retraining and upskilling opportu- nities for experienced workers, and will help pro- tect jobs as the global economy transitions away from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” she said. ✺
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