Published on Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 2:40:47 PM
Solar power’s place in the local energy mix is shining brighter, with Council endorsing the installation of solar for any new or newly refurbished Town facility and Town housing with at least seven years of operational life expectancy.
Council also endorsed the continuation of discussions with Horizon Power and other third parties regarding the development of a solar farm, as well as developing a sustainability strategy to guide the Town’s sustainability activities.
These endorsements build on progress made in recent years, including the roll out of kerbside recycling, installing solar hot water heating for select town houses and incorporating sustainable design principles into the Hedland Recreation Hubs.
Solar installation will help power sites such as the three Hedland Recreation Hub sites, as well as improve sustainability outcomes for the Town’s $500 million infrastructure investment program over the next decade.
HFM Consultants were engaged to investigate the supply of energy to the Town’s facilities and Town housing, providing insights for decision makers.
Mayor Peter Carter welcomed Council’s decision to give solar power a boost.
“There’s no shortage of sunshine in the Pilbara, which is why Council decided to endorse more solar installation for Town facilities and housing moving forward.
“I think it’s important for the Town to play an active role in boosting renewable energy uptake, particularly as the Hedland Recreation Hubs and other infrastructure projects will require large power draws to operate.
“Local households have switched on to solar, so why not local government?
“Renewable energy has an exciting future in the Pilbara, with plenty of small and large scale projects in the pipeline. Developing a solar farm with third parties and creating a sustainability strategy positions the Town to leverage the potential of this bright future.”
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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