A trial project that uses recycled wine bottles filled with water to regulate a building's internal temperatures is among the latest recipients of the State Government's sustainable energy grants. Energy Minister Francis Logan said Random Valley Organic Wines in Karridale would receive $20,555 to help develop a monitoring program for the project, using novel thermal imaging techniques.
(Media-Newswire.com) - A trial project that uses recycled wine bottles filled with water to regulate a building’s internal temperatures is among the latest recipients of the State Government’s sustainable energy grants.
Energy Minister Francis Logan said Random Valley Organic Wines in Karridale would receive $20,555 to help develop a monitoring program for the project, using novel thermal imaging techniques.
Mr Logan said the Karridale project was one of four to share in nearly $120,000 through the Sustainable Energy Development Office’s ( SEDO ) grants program.
The Minister said each project would add to the wealth of knowledge on sustainable energy.
“The SEDO grants program is part of the State Government’s commitment to increase the uptake of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Western Australia,” he said.
“The program supports community-driven sustainable energy projects, as well as research and development initiatives.”
Mr Logan, who visited Random Valley Organic Wines during a visit to the South-West region earlier this month, said the project was being carried out in conjunction with Curtin University.
“The owner of the wine company, Mr Peter Little, is a former architecture lecturer and has a strong interest in passive solar buildings,” the Minister said.
“He believes he can demonstrate the thermal storage capacity of water by building a cellar-door outlet from water-filled wine bottles. Once finished, the building will also serve as a public demonstration project of sustainable energy principles.”
The other projects receiving funding include: Avongro Whealtbelt Tree Cropping: $37,500 to investigate potential new biomass industries in the Avon Region; Environment House, Maylands: $50,000 for its $WaP saving water and power program that provides low-income households with home-energy audits and some energy-efficient products; and The Alternative Technology Association: $10,000 to support the Perth Sun Fair, which is being held on April 1 at The University of WA. The next funding round for the SEDO Grants Program closes on Friday, March 2. Application forms and guidelines are available by contacting SEDO on sgc@energy@wa.gov.au or 9420 5673.
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