Hervey Bay continues with solar power projects

6th Feb 2012

Efforts to power Hervey Bay with clean energy have moved a step closer, as the area's hospital is soon to receive a 266-kilowatt solar panel system.

Reported to cost $1.3 million, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions from Hervey Bay Hospital by around 400 tonnes a year.

Energy minister Stephen Robertson explained that an interactive system will be put in place, which will enable the amount of energy being produced by the solar panels to be monitored daily.

Visitors will be able to gain access to the kiosk and it is hoped that the facility will act as an educational tool for solar electricity.

Mr Robertson commented: "Depending on the weather, installation will begin within a few weeks on a solar panel system that will generate approximately 385 megawatt hours of energy each year, saving the hospital around $20,000 per year on electricity costs."

The Bligh government has shown growing commitment towards solar energy over recent weeks, as work began on the installation of almost 1,600 panels at the first community-owned solar farm project in Queensland.

It was described by the energy minister as an "exciting step for the innovative 396-kilowatt solar farm project and the Wide Bay Water Corporation".

Estimates suggest the solar farm will be able to generate 630 megawatt hours of energy each year, which is enough to supply electricity to around 100 homes.

Furthermore, approximately 600 tonnes of carbon emissions will be saved per annum.

Local communities along the Fraser Coast likewise look set to benefit from the project, as significant amounts of money are being spent on it.

Mr Robertson forecasts that an additional $180,000 may be spent if the tender for roadworks is won by a business along the Fraser Coast.

The Hervey Bay Hospital project, on the other hand, has been billed by ABB Power Generation manager Jason Venning as the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic system at any hospital in Queensland.

"ABB will draw from our global expertise in the solar industry to deliver a solar power system which operates at high efficiency, providing a lower cost per kilowatt production," he noted.

This is not the only energy-reducing project the hospital has been involved in, as it has strived to improve its efficiency with a number of other initiatives.

However, with the addition of renewable energy from this system, the hospital will be given the chance to become yet more self-sufficient, Mr Venning highlighted.

Posted by Mike Peacock

 

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: