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Renewable Energy News

TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER, 2009 |

Townsville Solar City Project First Anniversary

by Energy Matters

Environment Minister Peter Garrett today joined project leaders, council representatives and others to celebrate the first year of the $32 million Townsville Solar City initiative. The occasion is coinciding with Solar 09, the annual conference of Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society, also being hosted in Townsville this week.

Townsville is one of seven cities in the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities program.

Mr Garrett praised the efforts of Townsville, saying “Anticipation has been turned into reality, with so many achievements in the first year alone – 1445 Smart Meters and around 70 photovoltaic systems generating 160 kilowatts of electricity are in place, while hundreds of residents and businesses have received free energy assessments."

Mr Garrett said electricity consumption on Magnetic Island is now three per cent lower than it was a year ago, or nine per cent lower than where it would have been without the project.

To further observe the occasion, the Townsville Solar City team will also be participating in a ceremony to mark the beginnings of a 100 kilowatt solar farm, currently in the design and approvals stage. Output from the small solar farm will be equivalent to the power produced by about 20 homes, saving 177 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year.

"Everyone involved in Townsville Solar City should be congratulated on their hard work, enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to a cleaner, healthier, low-carbon climate.", said Mr Garrett.