Media Statements

	Energy and Water Utilities The Honourable Stephen Robertson

Hervey Bay home to first community-owned solar farm

Energy and Water Utilities
The Honourable Stephen Robertson

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Hervey Bay home to first community-owned solar farm

Construction is set to begin on Queensland’s first community-owned solar farm project in Hervey Bay as well as installation of solar power at the local public hospital.

Energy Minister Stephen Robertson and Fraser Coast Mayor Cr Mick Kruger officiated today at a sod turning ceremony to mark the start of the $2.7 million Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm.

Leading Queensland solar company Ingenero has been awarded the contract to build the 396 kilowatt solar farm on Hebblewhite Road, Hervey Bay, as part of Wide Bay Water Corporation’s operations.

Queensland Health has also selected international engineering firm ABB Australia as the preferred contractor to install a $1.3 million 266 kilowatt solar panel system at the Hervey Bay Hospital.
 
“The solar farm and hospital solar system deliver on the Bligh Government’s commitment to invest $4 million in solar energy projects for Hervey Bay,” Mr Robertson said.
 
“They are examples of the range of innovative solar projects being developed by the Queensland Government to benefit local communities.

“They deliver on the Bligh Government’s Toward Q2 target of creating a greener, clean energy future for Queenslanders.

“Importantly, these projects will help reduce energy costs as well as carbon emissions.”

Mr Robertson said the Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm will comprise 1,584 individual solar panels covering approximately 2,600 metres squared.

“The solar farm will generate approximately 630 megawatt hours of energy annually - enough to power approximately 100 homes - and save around 600 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

“Solar energy generated will help offset the energy use of Wide Bay Water Corporation’s operations.”

Mr Robertson said the Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm is the first community-owned solar farm in Queensland.

“It’s also the first time in Queensland a stand-alone solar farm has been integrated with a major commercial and industrial sector business.”

Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Cr Mick Kruger said the council was leading the way in terms of sustainable business practices.

“This is an exciting development for Hervey Bay and for the Wide Bay Water Corporation,” Cr Kruger said.

“Incorporating such a significant solar energy system into our business as usual practices, demonstrates WBWC is at the forefront of adjusting to a carbon constrained business environment.”

Ingenero General Manager Generation, Rodger Whitby said the company has become one of Australia’s leading solar installers.

“Ingenero is thrilled to have been awarded the contract to build what will be, when finished, the biggest stand-alone solar farm currently operational in Queensland,” Mr Whitby said.

“The project also includes a public display of a selection of PV technologies, a new high voltage transformer and an upgrade to the road at the community solar farm site.

“This marks a significant year for Ingenero after completing the biggest roof-top solar installation in Australia, the 1.2 megawatt solar power system at the University of Queensland, which was also supported with Queensland Government funds.”

At Hervey Bay Hospital, installation of the 266kW solar panel system is expected to commence during November, pending completion of contractual arrangements.

The solar panel system will generate approximately 385 megawatt hours of energy each year, saving the hospital around $20,000 per year on electricity costs.

It will also help to reduce the hospital’s carbon emissions by 400 tonnes a year.

An interactive web-kiosk and large screen television will also be installed in the hospital’s foyer as an education tool for visitors.

ABB Power Generation Manager Jason Venning said the company is a world leader in the development of solar power and has successfully executed a significant number of large scale turnkey PV projects across the globe.

“Our solar industry expertise and inverter technology will enable the system to operate at high efficiency, maximising power output and minimising environmental impact,” Mr Venning said.

“Being nominated for such a significant solar power project demonstrates our superior local engineering capability and once the contract is finalised, we will deliver a world-class system for Hervey Bay hospital.”

Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0437 436 914