Jobs and Expertise for the Upper Spencer Gulf

In the early 20th Century the Upper Spencer Gulf became known as the Iron Triangle due to its prominent role in mining and metal refining. In the 21st Century the Upper Spencer Gulf region could become known as the Renewables Rectangle for its huge potential in solar, wind and geothermal resources.

The Outback is ideal for concentrating solar power. It's dry and sunny virtually all year round. Power line infrastructure stretches north to Olympic Dam and Leigh Creek. A regional area with some of the nation's highest unemployment, sunrise industries such as solar power coupled with desalination could transform the Upper Spencer Gulf into a globally-renowned centre of excellence in sustainable power generation and environmentally-friendly water production.

Renewable energy is a growth industry. Globally, it has expanded eightfold in just over 10 years, or 23% per year. It is continuing to grow rapidly. Furthermore, renewable energy plants generate a much greater economic return to regions where they're situated than fossil fuel power plants.

Global Renewables Investment has leapt eight-fold since 1995	Renewables are expanding faster than fossil fuels or nuclear	Renewable energy brings greater economic benefits to communities than fossil fuels
Source: "American Energy: The Renewable Path to Energy Security," Worldwatch Institute, 2006	Source: "American Energy: The Renewable Path to Energy Security," Worldwatch Institute, 2006	Source: "Comparing Statewide Economic Impacts of New Generation from Wind, Coal, and Natural Gas," US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2006