Solar energy initiative and air service agreements

COULD Australia’s solar expertise be key to helping tropical countries that have little or no access to energy?

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on Monday to discuss Australia’s membership of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The alliance aims to strengthen cooperation on solar research and development and encourage the diffusion of solar technology amongst countries in the tropics. The ISA is seen as an opportunity to promote Australia’s expertise in the solar and energy sectors.  

Committee Chair, Stuart Robert MP, said  joining the ISA could provide opportunities for Australian businesses and research institutions.

“Large sections of the population in many of these tropical countries have little or no access to energy, including many of our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region. Membership of the ISA will support Australia’s engagement in the region,” the Chair said.

The committee will also discuss three air service agreements that Australia has with Israel, Hungary and Mauritius at the public hearing. These model agreements ensure international safety regulations and security measures are adhered to.

 

Public hearing details: 

11.30am – 1.00pm, Monday 16 October
Committee Room, 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra.

11.30am: Department of Energy and the Environment
                  Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

12.15pm: Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

1.00pm: Close

The proceedings will be broadcast live (audio only) at aph.gov.au/live. 

ENDS