Gippsland Water has switched on Australia’s largest floating solar array at the Drouin wastewater treatment plant.
The 350-kilowatt system features 644 individual solar panels and floats on one of the plant’s treatment lagoons.
Acting managing director Simon Aquilina said the solar panels were part of the organisation’s commitment to renewable energy targets.
“This floating solar array will help us reach our renewable energy target of 100 per cent by 2025 and contribute to achieving our target of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2030. It will also positively impact the wastewater treatment process by reducing evaporation.
“Solar energy helps reduce operating costs, puts downward pressure on customer water bills, and reduces emissions.
“At peak capacity, the solar array can fully power the treatment plant, producing enough kilowatts to power nearly 90 homes per day.”
Gippsland Water is undertaking several innovative projects on the path to net zero, with solar power a significant focus.
Last year, a 1,200-kilowatt solar array was switched on at the Gippsland Water Factory in Maryvale.
Drouin is the eighth Gippsland Water facility partially powered by solar energy.
The floating solar panels are part of a $55 million Drouin wastewater treatment plant upgrade.
While the upgraded plant became operational in 2022, the floating solar panels are one of the finishing touches.
To learn more about how Gippsland Water is caring for the local environment for future generations, visit www.gippswater.com.au/caretakers
Related Articles:
- Water leaders attend summit on future challenges for the Basin
- New Lilydale facility driving waste to energy transition
- Systems central to net zero progress