Western Australia is ideally suited to the generation of electricity from renewable sources. The State has a number of major renewable energy projects, both grid-connected and remote systems, either under development or already operational. Although largely dominated by small businesses, sustainable energy makes a significant contribution to the State's economy.

The structure of Western Australia's electricity industry has changed to a more competitive market, with the break up of Western Power transferring responsibility for generation, networks, retail and regional services to the individual State-owned corporations Verve Energy, Western Power, Synergy and Horizon Power.

The new market structure enables various retailers and generators to buy and sell electricity in a wholesale market with independently regulated rules. An Electricity Networks Access Code has been developed to ensure all new entrants can use the electricity grid on an equitable basis. Specific market arrangements assist both large and small renewable energy generators.

The changes to the electricity sector provided an ideal opportunity to consolidate information on the new electricity market and other regulatory frameworks relevant to renewable energy projects into a single source. The Renewable Energy Handbook is a practical guide that has important information for developing commercial renewable energy projects in the State. It provides a step-by-step guide through the relevant approval processes needed for proposed renewable energy projects and discusses the renewable energy incentive programs offered by both State and Australian Governments.

The Handbook is a valuable source of information not only for the renewable energy industry but also for landholders, local government and the wider community with an interest in renewable energy in Western Australia.

The Renewable Energy Handbook is available from the Sustainable Energy Development Office on CD by phoning the Energy Smart Line on 1300 658 158.