THE sun\u2019s rays will soon be offsetting power usage at four Central Highlands Water sites as a large solar electricity generation project nears completion.<\/p>\n
When finished at the end of June, the project will see over 6330 panels generating 3500 megawatts of energy per year, equivalent to 750 Victorian homes.<\/p>\n
CHW managing director, Mr Paul O\u2019Donohue said the project would have long term impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe installation of these solar plants will provide a more sustainable water supply and wastewater supply system for our community over the next 50 years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The solar panels will be spread across the wastewater management and pumping plants at four sites in the CHW network, Ballarat North and South, Lal Lal and White Swan and have been entirely funded by the water utility.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will take about 47 per cent of the energy load off the grid and into a local solution, and we\u2019re very proud of that,\u201d Mr O\u2019Donohue said.<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison toured the Ballarat North site representing the Minister for Water on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
She said that as a government agency CHW had a role to play in reaching the State\u2019s net zero emissions by 2050 target, as well as interim measures.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a commitment to us saying across all government agencies \u2018we\u2019re working to get towards that target\u2019,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know the community has asked us to improve our work when it comes to sustainability\u2026 but it\u2019s very important that it doesn\u2019t come at an extra cost. The fact it comes at no extra cost is so important.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE sun\u2019s rays will soon be offsetting power usage at four Central Highlands Water sites as a large solar electricity generation project nears completion. When finished at the end of June, the project will see over 6330 panels generating 3500 megawatts of energy per year, equivalent to 750 Victorian homes. CHW managing director, Mr Paul […]<\/p>\n