New solar system to cut costs, emissions for Bellarine Railway

THE Bellarine Railway has flipped the switch on a new solar system at its Queenscliff workshop, thanks to a local partnership aimed at cutting emissions and powering a more sustainable future.

The 15kW system is expected to save the not-for-profit organisation $1,400 annually – funds it will be able to put back into the restoration of its heritage locomotives and day-to-day operations – and was achieved through a collaboration with Queenscliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN) and Geelong Sustainability.

Last year, QCAN ran a community solar program (CSP) aimed at encouraging the uptake of renewables, teaming up with Vortex Electrical to install solar systems, batteries and hot water systems in homes and businesses across the community.

As part of the program, Vortex was able to provide a community donation in the form of solar panels to the railway, which alongside an interest-free loan from Geelong Sustainability’s Community Energy Revolving Fund (CERF), enabled the project to go ahead late last month.

This involved the completion of detailed feasibility assessments, facilitated by Geelong Sustainability, which considered The Bellarine Railway’s previous energy usage and the workshop’s roof space to ensure the system installed was the most efficient design possible.

Geelong Steam Preservation Society president Jake Gonzalez Prudden said the partnership between the three organisations showed how community-driven climate action can deliver real, lasting benefits.

“We’re incredibly grateful to QCAN and Geelong Sustainability for their support and partnership.

“This solar project not only reduces our environmental impact but also helps future proof the railway’s operations through reduced energy costs.”

He praised Geelong Sustainability’s CERF initiative, which he said ensures “minimal upfront costs” and “maximum long-term impact” for “not-for-profit organisations eager to invest in clean energy infrastructure.

The Bellarine Railway will repay this loan over the next five years and, due to the energy cost savings generated by the new solar system, is anticipating a “net-zero financial impact” over its lifespan.