Carbon emissions from the City of Adelaide’s community have been reduced by 224,000 tonnes since 2007, thanks in part to solar power.
Adelaide City Council says enthusiastic uptake of rooftop solar power systems along with a massive $5.5 billion of investment in wind farms has reduced the carbon impact of South Australia’s electricity supply by 31% between 2004/05 and 2013/14.
“South Australia and the City community, particularly commercial property owners, have demonstrated that renewable energy and green buildings are highly effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions,” said Dr Adrian Stokes, Adelaide City Council’s Program Manager of City Sustainability and Park Lands.
“Energy efficiency upgrades in buildings and public lighting have reduced Council’s own energy consumption by 10.3% since 2009/10. In 2013/14, energy efficiency projects saved Council $406,000 on electricity bills and reduced carbon emissions by approximately 1,500 tonnes.”
Among Adelaide City Council’s more unique efforts in also cutting transport related emissions is its 100% solar powered bus – which represented a world first.
Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Ian Hunter applauded the community for its embracing of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“The City of Adelaide stands as an example of what we can achieve as a community in our response to the challenge of climate change,” said Minister Hunter.
Already Australia’s wind power stronghold and with a very high residential solar penetration (approximately 24%), South Australia has likely eclipsed its current 33 percent renewables target. Last month, the State Government further boosted the state’s target to 50 percent by 2025.
The state is home to 38% (1,203MW) of Australia’s installed wind capacity and was the first to introduce solar feed-in tariff legislation in Australia.
South Australia has also proven a very high level of renewables can be added to the mains grid without causing major problems with regard to network infrastructure.
