Solar power to charge Wastewater Treatment Plant

Published on 20 May 2020

Goulburn Mulwaree Council continues to work to self-supply green energy, and will soon install solar panels at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The tender from NG Energy was accepted by Council on Tuesday night for the 380KW solar system which will supply approximately 35% of the power requirements needed for the entire plant, equivalent to a $90,000 saving each year.

Mayor Bob Kirk said the project forms just one component of the work Council is doing to improve its sustainability, along with reducing energy costs.

“The Wastewater Treatment Plant was identified due to its suitability for solar energy as it is one of our larger electricity using Council facilities. We are able to use all the power generated during the day without the need for batteries for storage; the electricity will be used behind the meter to avoid returning excess electricity to the grid – this will maximise Council’s savings.”

“This system will pay itself off over around eight years, which is a fantastic investment for Council in economic terms. It will also have obvious environmental and sustainability benefits for us, which is one of the pillars on which our Community Strategic Plan is based.”

Construction will begin in June and the project is expected to be completed and commissioned within the coming months.