The Mint set for greener energy

The Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) is one step closer to further improving sustainability and adopting a greener approach to coin production with the appointment of Origin Energy to install and manage one of the ACT’s largest rooftop solar energy systems.

The installation of a solar panel photovoltaic (PV) energy system on the roof of the iconic building in Deakin will reduce the Mint’s peak electricity consumption and introduce renewable solar energy to the site.

After a competitive process, Origin was awarded the tender to design, build, own, operate and maintain the solar PV system and sell the generated solar energy to the Mint via a 15-year power purchase agreement (also known as a PPA).

The system will consist of 924 solar panels, which will be installed in the coming months in areas that are not visible from the ground in order to preserve the aesthetics of the Mint’s exterior.

The Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said this new installation will reduce the Mint’s carbon footprint, while having an additional financial benefit.

“This move by the Royal Australian Mint will make a significant environmental impact by reducing greenhouse emissions; and with a cost reduction, these panels are a real investment for the Mint’s future,” said MacDiarmid.

Origin Chief Executive Officer Energy Markets Frank Calabria said that Origin is pleased to be delivering a cleaner energy solution for one of Australia’s most iconic organisations.

“This is one of the largest solar PPA installations on a building in Australia to date, and demonstrates how large organisations are now making the most of solar energy. Solar can deliver businesses benefits to both their bottom line and their carbon footprint, and it is great that the Mint is leading the way for big business in Canberra,” said Calabria.

Image credit: ©David Franklin/Dollar Photo Club