La Trobe to build Victoria's largest urban solar farm

La Trobe University is creating what is claimed to be the largest urban solar farm in Victoria, with around 4300 solar panels generating enough renewable energy to reduce total university emissions by 15% and eliminate household emissions for the equivalent of the entire neighbouring suburb of Kingsbury.

The La Trobe University Renewable Zone is being built on 3.5 hectares at its Bundoora Campus and is part of the university’s goal to achieve net zero by 2029.

The Zone includes a 2.9-megawatt solar energy system and 2.5-megawatt battery energy storage system, which will take the total solar generation at the Bundoora campus to 5.8 megawatts.

Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the $10 million Renewable Zone, fully funded by La Trobe using funds from the recently raised Green Bond, was the next step in La Trobe’s commitment to being an industry leader in sustainability.

“Our commitment to net zero by 2029 will see our University City of the Future become a leading energy- and water-efficient city, using renewable technologies to support local climate resilience and positive environmental impact,” Dewar said.

The Renewable Zone will be located on vacant, unused university land on the corner of Plenty Road and Kingsbury Drive.

Construction is due to begin in early 2024.

Image caption: Artist’s impression of the La Trobe University Renewable Zone.