Massive new solar system for North Queensland

The largest solar system in North Queensland was officially opened today at Townsville RSL Stadium, which now boasts 1800 solar photovoltaic panels across its roof, producing two-thirds of its energy requirements.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Mark Dreyfus made a rooftop visit to inspect the $2 million clean energy ‘power station’.

“This massive solar system generates around 1400 kWh a day - that’s equivalent to the daily energy requirements of 75 homes,” Dreyfus said.

“The clean energy produced here equates to cutting 460 tonnes of carbon pollution each year or taking approximately 100 cars off the road,” said Jan McLucas, Senator for Queensland.

Developing renewable energy is a central element of the federal government’s Clean Energy Future plan, with carbon price revenue now being invested to support the industry.

“Hand in hand with the carbon price, these measures make the most of Australia’s natural resources and help us make the gradual shift to a modern, clean energy economy,” Dreyfus said.

The stadium project is part of the Townsville Solar City program funded by the federal government, led by Ergon Energy and supported by the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council. It has helped install more than 1 MW of solar PV in Townsville, cutting carbon pollution by 64,000 tonnes.

Ergon Energy Chief Executive Ian McLeod said the solar power station was a central project in the Energy Sense Communities program.

“The program aims to find alternative energy solutions to better manage rising electricity demand and defer investment in the electricity network,” McLeod said.