With the transition to renewable energy, the cost of running one of Livingstone Shire Council’s major power-consuming utilities has been greatly reduced by installing solar panels on a treatment plant.
An array of photo-voltaic solar panels with inverters and battery storage has been installed at the Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant. It should significantly reduce Council’s ongoing power consumption currently supplied by the electricity grid.
Livingstone Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend, said the modern sewage treatment plant at Yeppoon produces very high-quality effluent for community reuse and will deliver a power saving of close to 70 per cent.
“The solar power plant should generate power equivalent to the annual power consumption of about 90 households,” Friend said.
“Solar power will completely power the sewage treatment plant during daylight hours. It will direct any surplus to battery storage for use during the night.
“For backup power supply in less favourable conditions, the plant can revert to the electricity grid if needed.
“There is also the capacity to expand the facility to accommodate increased demand.”
Council reduces energy bills of the treatment plant
Livingstone Mayor Andy Ireland said this is the first significant renewable energy infrastructure in the Shire. It is a major step toward the Council’s vision of being an environmental leader in the community.
“Council obtained $2.8 million in funding from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program towards the $3 million project,” Mayor Ireland said.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the Queensland Government and Member for Keppel for the significant funding contribution towards this vital project for our community.”
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Queensland Government is committed to increasing the uptake of renewable energy to drive jobs, investment and emissions reduction.
“The Yeppoon Sewage Treatment Plant transitioning is another vital step towards reducing emissions and mitigating climate change. It also creates new jobs and diversifying the state’s economy,” Ms Lauga said.
“We want a clean and just transition to take place. We will work closely with our workers, industry and broader community. It is important that we ensure all Queenslanders are part of our clean energy future.”
AGL Chief Customer Officer, Jo Egan, said the company was pleased to work closely with Council to deliver the project.
“It’s a great example of how organisations can decarbonise, reduce costs and create sustainable operations simultaneously,” Ms Egan said.
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