We all know renewable energy delivers cleaner, cheaper power to homes and businesses when compared with fossil fuels.
But have you ever wondered what powers the job sites where renewable energy projects are built?
Working in partnership, Enel Green Power Australia (EGPA) and Beon Energy Solutions (Beon) have installed a hybrid energy system to power the Girgarre Solar Farm’s construction site, instead of relying solely on diesel generation.
Originally the site ran on generators that used almost 6,000 litres of diesel every month. But the change to a solar, battery and back-up generator hybrid system is expected to reduce the site’s diesel use by 88%.
The hybrid system uses recycled solar panels, a back-up generator and battery to power several office spaces, toilet blocks, break and meeting rooms on site.
Chris Barry, EGPA’s Head of Health, Safety, Environment, Quality and Sustainability, highlighted the initiative forms an integral component of EGPA’s Sustainable Construction Model, which is implemented across all EGPA’s construction sites.
“Our objective is to collaborate closely with our contractors, fostering the adoption of solutions that not only amplify the beneficial impacts of each renewable power plant but also proactively address any adverse effects of construction activities on the local environment and community.” Mr Barry said.
Beon’s Head of Renewables Andy McCutcheon said the switch was expected to save 133 tonnes of CO2 emissions over the life of the project.
“We look for ways to be more efficient, reduce our carbon footprint and add benefits to the community”.
“By making this change, we are keeping emissions as low as possible during construction of this solar farm,” Mr McCutcheon said.
Girgarre Solar Farm is a 93 MW solar farm located approximately 45km west of Shepparton and 40km south of Echuca in the state of Victoria.
Once established, the solar farm will power approximately 43,000 homes through around 200,000 solar panels. The solar farm is owned by EGPA and under construction by Beon.
