Parkes is claiming the crown as King of Renewable Energy as a 55 MW solar farm lights up the regional NSW town for the annual Elvis Presley festival.
Because the farm’s 200,000 solar panels can power more than 20,000 homes, it provides double the energy needed to serve Parkes’ population.
However, it will also cater for around 20,000 diehard Elvis fans who descend on Parkes each year to celebrate the King of Rock and Roll.
The Climate Council has subsequently thrown its hat in the ring with a video marking Parkes’ progress as a Presley-loving renewable powerhouse.
Town mayor Councillor Ken Keith is delighted the town’s solar energy matches the musical energy produced by fans. Parkes is known for renewable energy innovation as well as its world-famous Elvis festival.
King of Renewable Energy heralds virtual solar network
Parkes has deployed solar energy for more than a decade. Hit by the millennial drought, the town then became one of the nation’s earliest and biggest adopters of rooftop solar panels.
Earlier this year, Parkes Shire Council also voted to develop the shire’s own virtual solar network. Council could subsequently trade solar energy between council buildings in different locations.
Meanwhile, a $100,000 feasibility study will assess the viability of expanding the solar network using battery storage like Tesla Powerwall.
Parkes is a founding member of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership. The group of local governments is driving Australia-wide solutions for climate change.
Climate Council Acting CEO Dr Martin Rice says Parkes is therefore a great example of the ‘grassroots energy revolution’ powering regional Australia.
Renewable energy for regional communities
A farmer and Elvis impersonator Councillor Keith knows how to have fun. However, he is serious when it comes to steering Parkes’ renewable energy future.
The evidence for climate change is irrefutable, he insists. Just because the federal government is slow to react, communities like Parkes can still set a sustainable example.
According to Keith, Parkes’ endeavours in the renewable space can also be embraced by other regional communities in Australia. The potential is huge, he says.
For example, Kidston in Queensland was just an abandoned gold mining town. Then it was developed into a 270 MW solar farm with pumped hydro soon to added. The subsequent energy storage will provide renewable energy 24 hours a day.
