Sun shining on Lockhart River solar project

Published Wednesday, 12 July, 2017 at 07:00 AM

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

The light of opportunity is shining on a remote Queensland town, with Lockhart River continuing its transition from a diesel powered community to a solar powered community.

Touring the community with Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner and Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher yesterday, Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the recent closing of tenders to install solar was another milestone in the community’s clean energy revolution.

“The Lockhart solar project will see a portion of the community’s power, normally supplied by diesel generators, soon coming from a 200 kilowatt rooftop solar farm, with some provisions for battery storage," My Bailey said.

"The joint partnership between the Department of Energy and Water Supply, Ergon Energy Retail as part of Energy Queensland, and the Department of Housing and Public Works will see the installation of this solar farm on government-owned buildings in Lockhart River. 

"The solar farm will provide a clean energy alternative for the diesel-powered community and will include some battery energy storage to help integrate the solar farm with the local diesel generators.

"Tenders have recently closed, and construction of the solar farm is expected to start later this year."

Mr Bailey said the project was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to affordable and sustainable energy – consistent with the Powering Queensland Plan and Powering North Queensland Plan.

“Queensland is experiencing a renewable energy boom, and this project will not only bring more affordable electricity to Lockhart River, but cleaner electricity as well,” he said.

The Lockhart River solar farm trial is one of four sites in Queensland involved in a trial to deliver electricity savings to some of the state’s most vulnerable - http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/3/10/solar-future-for-public-housing-in-queensland

ENDS

 

Media contact: Amy Hunter - 0423651484The light of