Australian
Thursday 22/10/2009 Page: 4
AUSTRALIA should take the lead in developing solar energy technology as part of the fight against global warming, the International Energy Agency's chief economist says. "We need a major (solar) program, a collective program," the agency's Fatih Birol said. "Australia has a lot of experience. In solar, Australia can also play a role." Speaking from Paris, Dr Birol said "solar energy has a very bright future" along with nuclear energy. He said solar was potentially an easier option because it "enjoys a lot of public acceptance".
Even with large investments in solar and nuclear, Dr Birol said the world would still need oil, but he warned it would not last. "My main motto never changes: the era of low oil prices is over," he said. Australia's solar industry has had a chequered history, with researchers and manufacturers heading overseas over the past 15 years because of a perceived lack of federal government support.
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