Council’s Solar Farm energy comes on line
Friday, 1 July 2019
Inner West Council has marked a new milestone in its target of using 100% renewable energy – the contract to purchase power from the Moree Solar Farm commenced today, Monday, 1 July.
The agreement means that approximately 25% of all Council’s energy usage will now be solar powered.
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that the agreement was the first of its kind for NSW councils.
“The power is being supplied at a fixed price, protecting Council and our community from future electricity pricing shocks,” he said.
“This new solar initiative will power almost all of Council’s daytime power needs and reduce our carbon footprint by almost 4,000 tons a year. That is equivalent to taking more than a thousand typical NSW cars off the road each year.
“We are staying true to our commitment to punch above our weight in the national environmental debate.”
Councillor Anna York, who has been at the forefront of Council’s renewable energy charge, said that the contract was a significant part of its effort to be a local government leader in renewables.
“With state and federal governments vacating the field in renewables, it’s more important than ever for local councils to step up,” she said.
“With the start of the contract today, we are meeting a commitment we made at election.
“Council is investing in becoming 100% renewable powered, but we are also investing in the renewable economy in NSW, and using our purchasing power to support the growth of renewable industries in this state.”
In May, Inner West became one of the first councils in Australia to publicly acknowledge that “we are in a state of climate emergency” that requires urgent action by all levels of government. And earlier this month, Council also became the first council in New South Wales to be 100 per cent divested from fossil fuels.
Mayor Byrne said that being the first Council to become 100 per cent divested from fossil fuels was a significant step, as was the solar agreement.
“This source of solar energy joins the many solar arrays we have installed on Council buildings, all important steps in becoming 100% renewable and carbon neutral by 2025,” he said.
The latest installation is the 15kW solar array on Petersham Town Hall, which combined with an LED upgrade at the site, will save around 15 tonnes of carbon every year.
The new array brings Council to more than 30 buildings with solar panels with many more to come.
Council is also helping residents transition to renewable power by providing advice on household solar through the Our Energy Future program.
The power purchase agreement represents 18 councils and is coordinated by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC).
Find out more about Council’s carbon reduction program and ways Council is assisting the Inner West community to transition to renewable energy by visiting Council’s website.
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath | Media and Communications Coordinator P: +61 2 9392 5334 | E: Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au