Construction is underway for the Black Rock Solar Project as Geelong’s Barwon Water moves towards operating solely by renewable energy by 2025.
The construction of the $3.4 million solar project is now underway, which will see more than 2,800 panels installed to generate around 1.3 gigawatt hours of electricity a year, supplying about 13 per cent of the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant’s energy requirements.
The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring that the water sector does its part to reduce emissions, become more sustainable and reduce operating costs.
The large scale solar project is set to save Barwon Water around $185,000 in annual operation costs, which will put downward pressure on prices for customers.
Stage one of the project, which is now underway, is expected to be completed by next year and will create around 10 jobs locally.
A second stage of the Black Rock Solar Project has also recently been approved which will deliver an additional two megawatts per year by 2020 when complete.
In addition to the large scale solar project at Black Rock, Barwon Water is fast-tracking 99kW solar systems at five of its operational sites to produce another half a megawatt of renewable energy.
Barwon Waters’ solar projects are the Victorian Government’s water plan in action, with the Labor Government having committed $537 million over four years to deliver Water for Victoria.
Barwon Water’s Strategy 2030 supports the delivery of Water for Victoria and outlines a target of zero net emissions by 2030.
The Water for Victoria plan sets a new long-term direction for managing our precious water resources as the state deals with the impacts of climate change and a growing population.
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Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville
“Barwon Water is investing in a renewable project that will reduce operating costs in an environmentally-friendly way that will make their operations more sustainable into the future.”
“The first stage of the Black Rock solar project is benefiting the environment, providing more jobs and a boost to the regional economy.”
Quotes attributable to Barwon Water Managing Director Tracey Slatter
“These projects will have a long-term cost benefit as well as helping us meet global targets for emission reduction.”
“We want to ensure our facilities are working as efficiently as possible and by investing in environmental efficiencies it helps to create a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020