The 910 panel, 364kW rooftop solar photovoltaic system has been switched on at the Kimberley hospital.
The system is equivalent to the capacity of about 60 home solar systems.
Western Australia’s regional energy provider, Horizon Power, installed the solar system in partnership with WA Country Health Service as part of a $1.4 million investment by the Western Australia Government in large-scale rooftop solar.
Modelling forecasts the system will lead to a $70,000 per annum reduction in variable energy costs for the hospital and reduce the hospital’s annual energy consumption by 24 per cent, cutting its carbon emissions by about 300t per year.
The Western Australia Government said the project is part of achieving net zero emissions in the state by 2050.
Western Australia Minister for Energy, Reece Whitby, said, “The Derby Regional Hospital solar system is a great example of the Western Australia Government delivering on its commitment to increase renewable energy uptake throughout regional and remote Western Australia.
“This is a wonderful partnership between Horizon Power and WA Country Health Service that will reduce energy costs for Derby’s major hospital while also cutting its carbon emissions,” Mr Whitby said.
Western Australia Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson, said, “This investment in rooftop solar for Derby Hospital will reduce electricity bills and cut carbon emissions.
“This project builds on the Western Australia Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” Ms Sanderson said.
Western Australia Member for Kimberley, Divina D’Anna, said, “I am excited with this announcement that not only exemplifies our commitment to the environment by reducing carbon emissions and saving money for essential health service delivery, but also aligns with our collective goal for net zero by 2050.
“We need to make sure our future generations are being looked after both with the environment and their health,” Ms D’Anna said.
Featured image: Rooftop solar photovoltaic system at Derby Regional Hospital. Courtesy of Horizon Power.
