The largest solar system in North Queensland was officially opened today at Townsville RSL Stadium.
The stadium boasts 1800 solar photovoltaic panels across its roof, producing two-thirds of its energy requirements.
Mark Dreyfus, federal Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency made a rooftop visit to inspect the $2 million clean energy “power station”.
“This massive solar system generates around 1400 kilowatt hours a day - that’s equivalent to the daily energy requirements of 75 homes,” Dreyfus said.
Speaking at the launch, Senator for Queensland, Jan McLucas, said the clean energy produced at the stadium equates to cutting 460 tonnes of carbon pollution per year or taking 100 cars off the road.
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.
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 megawatt of solar PV in Townsville, cutting carbon pollution by 64,000 tonnes.
Ergon Energy chief executive, Ian McLeod, said the program aims to find alternative energy solutions to better manage rising electricity demand and defer investment in the electricity network.