Ashfield Aquatic Centre goes solar
Tuesday 18 August 2020
Inner West Council continues to take great strides towards its goal of being completely powered by renewable energy in 2025, installing a large solar array at the new Ashfield Aquatic Centre.
Council is investing approximately $300,000 in a commercial-scale solar array that will roughly double Council’s solar power generation.
The 250kW array will save almost 300,000 kilograms of carbon every year and will generate enough power to run around 700 typical desktop computers a year.
“In other words, the equivalent of taking over 115 typical Sydney passenger cars off the road every year, or enough electricity to power around 85 Inner West households per year,” said Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne.
The new array is currently being installed on the new Ashfield pool hall. It will be the 36th solar array installed on Council buildings, with more to come.
Mayor Byrne said that this is another example of Inner West Council aiming to be a national leader in renewable energy.
“We want the Inner West to punch above our weight in the national environmental debate,” he said.
“This large new solar array at Ashfield pool is another important step in our goal to becoming 100% renewable and carbon neutral by 2025.
“Solar power also lowers Council’s electricity costs across the aquatic centre, so we can continue to offer cost-effective recreation services to the community.
“We are proud that all of Council’s pools are now equipped with solar. This includes the recent installation of a 20kW solar array at Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre in Petersham.”
The solar array joins a range of climate initiatives by Council, including an innovative agreement to buy energy from the Moree Solar Farm, a fast-tracked energy-efficient streetlight program, and a record 100% level of divestment from fossil fuel investments.
More information on Inner West Council’s response to climate change can be found at:
www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/environment-and-sustainability/at-council/response-to-climate-change
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath, Media and Communications Coordinator, 9392 5334 or Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au