Port Authority of New South Wales Principal Environmental Planner Fiona McKay announced the installation of 81 solar panels to reduce dependence on grid electricity.
By utilizing rooftop space efficiently, the panels will generate power to support onsite maritime operations.
While the Port Authority already offsets 100% of its State-wide electricity consumption through renewable energy via a power purchase agreement with a solar and wind farm in New South Wales, this new initiative marks the next step in producing its renewable energy to offset consumption.
McKay also highlighted that the Sustainability Plan 2020 has integrated sustainable practices throughout the business, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and promoting long-term sustainability.
The rooftop solar installation aligns with the Port Authority’s Sustainability Plan and its Net Zero goals, which include reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero by 2040, with a 75% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
“This investment in renewable technology is just one way Port Authority is meeting its own sustainability goals, while also actively offsetting increasing energy costs within our port facilities. This 35.6 kW solar system provides, on average, 150 kWh/day of electricity, which will be used to offset electricity use within the Newcastle Port Centre. The added benefits will see an estimated US$170,000 in electricity savings over the life of the system which equates to around US$9,000 per year,” stated Fiona McKay.