Solar innovation powers up remote communities
Horizon Power today announced plans to build two state-of-the-art solar power stations in Marble Bar and Nullagine, in the east Pilbara region of Western Australia. The power stations are the first high penetration hybrid solar photovoltaic diesel power stations in the world.
The project will include the installation of up to 2000 solar panels in total across both towns. The solar arrays in both towns will feature solar tracking systems that will follow the path of the sun in each town throughout the day. The ground-mounted systems will be the largest solar tracking PV systems in Australia.
Flywheel technology will also be used to smooth the energy from the solar panels and to stabilise power quality between the diesel power station and the solar farm. It will also maximise the utilisation of the solar energy.
The solar energy systems will generate over 1 GWh of renewable energy per annum, supplying over 60 per cent of the daytime energy demand from sunlight. This equates to a saving of 35-40 per cent of diesel and 1100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Horizon Power is working with development partners PowerCorp Pty Ltd and SunPower Australia to build, own and operate the new power stations.
Energy Minister, Peter Collier, said “Solar power is an abundant, reliable, clean source of energy. Horizon Power is leading the way by innovatively combining conventional diesel generation with this state-of-the-art renewable energy option.
“This new technology will lessen our carbon footprint and improve our environment for the future,” he said.
Horizon Power’s Managing Director, Rod Hayes said ”Horizon Power is excited to be driving a project that will set a new standard in large-scale renewable energy technology in Australia.
“The project will replace ageing power stations with modern, efficient and more environmentally-friendly power stations that will be able to meet the needs of local communities for the next twenty years,” he said.
“Horizon Power vigorously pursues renewable energy options for power generation and is pleased that regional Western Australians will be able to experience the benefits of leading-edge, large-scale renewable energy technology as a result of our partnership with SunPower and PowerCorp.
Construction will begin in March 2009. Horizon Power will provide regular community updates on the progress of the construction of the power stations.
Click here to view a detail brochure about the project and a diagram about solar power.
(ENDS)
Media contact: Pip Brown on 0438 927 110
Project facts at a glance
The new power stations will:
• Generate 1048 MWh of solar energy per year
• Provide 65% of day time energy demand from solar power
• Save 1119 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year
• Save between 35-40% diesel consumption per year (412, 000 litres of fuel per year)
• Provide 60 per cent of the annual energy for both towns
About Horizon Power
Horizon Power is an electricity generator, network operator and retailer that is sharply focused and dedicated to servicing the needs of customers in regional Western Australia; from remote and isolated communities to some of the biggest resource companies in Australia. Horizon Power services an area of 2.3 million square kilometers and strives to provide viable and leading-edge energy solutions that are focused on the long-term needs of communities. For more information on Horizon Power, visit http://www.horizonpower.com.au
About SunPower
SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq: SPWRA, SPWRB) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. SunPower high-efficiency solar cells and solar panels generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. With headquarters in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.sunpowercorp.com.
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| Single axis tracking, high efficiency, mono-crystalline PV array provided by Sunpower. |