Overview
The Shire of Derby’s remoteness and rugged environment make it a difficult and expensive region to supply energy to. By installing a roof-mounted solar PV system and a renewable energy smoothing battery at the Derby Hospital, and roof-mounted solar PV systems across the Shire’s portfolio of buildings, we will dramatically reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
When the sun goes down, we will still help the Shire save by converting more than 1,100 streetlights to energy-efficient smart LED streetlights. In addition to improving night-time visibility, smart lights allow us to monitor outages and optimise streetlight performance in real-time.
The project is being delivered as part of Horizon Power’s $75 million Renew the Regions program, a WA Recovery Plan initiative aimed at creating jobs and improving services in the regions.
Cleaner, greener energy
We've installed 283 kWh of solar PV across 13 Shire buildings in Fitzroy Crossing and Derby — including the airport, local library, childcare centre and pool. This will save the Shire of Derby more than $130,000 in electricity costs each year and reduce greenhouse emissions by more than 390 tonnes per year.
We've also installed a 364 kWh solar PV system at the Derby Hospital and a solar smoothing battery energy storage system as well as a 289 kWh community battery at Nicholson Square park in Derby.
Smarter, brighter, safer
We’ve installed more than 1,100 energy-efficient lights across the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley. The smart LEDs are brighter, greener and more reliable than the old ones, and they’ll significantly reduce the Shire’s electricity costs too. See the difference...
Before
After
Before
After
Keeping it local
We engaged suitably qualified and experienced local businesses and contractors to install the solar, battery and smart LED streetlights.
Derby locals, Remote Solar Solutions, installed the rooftop solar across the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley buildings, including the solar shade shelter at the Derby Pool.
Our community first approach ensures regional energy infrastructure upgrades stimulate the local economy through jobs and procurement opportunities.
Community heart in the art
We teamed up with local artist Jess Bidewell and more than 50 Derby kids to create a vibrant, 7 metre long mural — mounted beneath the new solar shade shelter at the Derby Memorial Swimming Pool.
The mural depicts Derby’s underwater wildlife and was developed by Jessica as a way to share the beauty of the area.
The Derby Pool attracts nearly 20,000 visits each year, so with an audience that big, there’s plenty for these budding artists to be proud of.
The investment in solar will enable us to improve the Shire's renewable energy footprint,
allowing more money to be available for community programs and services. The energy efficient LED smart lighting is also improving security on our streets and helping keep our community safe.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.