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A new rooftop solar panel installation at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre will now supply the centre’s energy needs, creating significant operational savings.

Launched earlier this week, City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expects the solar and battery system to save in excess of $100,000 a year in energy savings.

The Centre, renamed Optus Aquatic Centre for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, has been fitted with a 312 kilowatt solar array and more than 1100 panels.

Mayor Tate explained “that’s an annual reduction in energy costs of over $100,000.”

The facility will also trial a 300kWh battery after the Commonwealth Games 2018 to achieve further savings.

Installed at a cost of $654,000 by Plant Ark Power, visitors will be able to see exactly how much energy is being produced via an LED screen at the entrance to the pool.

Commenting on the installation, Plant Ark Power Executive Director Richard Romanowski commented “we are honoured to have been entrusted with this work especially considering the facilities’ importance to the up-coming Commonwealth Games.

“It’s a world-class facility and now with solar is a leading example of how local government can invest wisely to secure their energy future. We look forward to watching the Commonwealth Games’ swimming competition being powered by the sun.”

This week has also seen the completion of a project to install LED street lights at Surfers Paradise.

A total of 890 energy saving LED street lights have been rolled out to replace existing high energy street lights, cutting the City’s consumption costs in that precinct by 50%. The focus has been on the Surfers Paradise precinct with other areas to follow. 

Images courtesy of City of Gold Coast.

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