The Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is developing a platform that will allow homeowners and urban planners to calculate their solar power potential and make informed decisions on investment in solar power generation.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, said, “The Energy Data for Smart Decision Making project will combine mapping with data on solar exposure, energy generation and consumption from precincts across Australia into an open modelling platform.
“This project is an example of how the program encourages collaboration between local governments, research organisations and the private sector to deliver a solution that can be applied locally and shared around the country.”
Mr Fletcher said the Australian Government’s $50 million Smart Cities and Suburbs Program has already seen $27.7 million allocated to 49 projects, with the second round of funding set to deliver further innovative smart technology solutions to urban challenges.
“I am looking forward to opening the next round of the program soon and encourage local councils to propose collaborative smart city projects that will improve the liveability, productivity and sustainability of our cities, suburbs and towns.”
In addition to the Australian Government’s contribution of $430,000, the Australian PV Institute, University of New South Wales and nine Councils will also contribute a total of $462,000 towards delivering the project.