The benefits of two large-scale solar installations continue to flow at local wastewater treatment plants with Bundaberg Regional Council to sell excess power to offset operational costs.
Government grants allowed for a 360kw solar system to be installed at Rubyanna Wastewater Treatment Plant in addition to a 101kw system at Millbank Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Council last week agreed to sell the excess power from both plants, entering into an arrangement with Green Energy Trading for the Sale of Large-Scale Generation Certificates.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the initiative was welcome news and would offset the cost of running the wastewater treatment plants by about $23,000 a year.
“Through our commitment to sustainability we’ve been taking advantage of grant opportunities to invest in renewable energy,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“So not only did ratepayers not have to pay for the cost to install the wastewater treatment plant solar systems, the excess power they are generating is helping to reduce the costs of running these facilities.”
Council’s wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants and pump stations run 24 hours a day, seven days a week to efficiently treat wastewater and supply safe drinking water to the community.
“As the cost of electricity continues to rise anything we can do to offset the costs of this important and essential function is a positive.
“It’s clean, it’s green and it’s part of Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.”
Wastewater solar part of Council's sustainability focus
In addition to investing in renewable energy, Council is seeking Eco Destination certification.
Mayor Dempsey said when you live in the most beautiful part of the world it was important to protect and celebrate it.
“You’ll often hear me refer to the beautiful Bundaberg Region and that’s a simple fact,” he said.
“There are countless natural wonders to be discovered in our little slice of paradise and it’s incumbent on us to do what we can to protect it.”
Businesses interested in seeking Eco Certification or Climate Action Certification can register for Council’s incentive program.
Find out more on the project page.
Seems like officials representing the particular government funding the project have a sustainability focus and should be in the photo.
Thank you taxpayers ????????????????