Solar power to light up Newcastle Port Centre

Port Authority of NSW, on its journey to net zero by 2040, has installed its first major rooftop solar panel system at its Newcastle Port Centre.

Port Authority’s Principal Environmental Planner Fiona McKay said 81 solar panels were installed to reduce the reliance on grid electricity. Rooftop space is efficiently used to generate power for onsite maritime operations.

“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,” McKay said.

“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 $170,000 in electricity savings over the life of the system which equates to around $9000 per year.

“It is great to see this solar panel installation now complete, as this is the first major step in reducing the consumption of grid electricity for our operations in Newcastle.”

Port Authority already offsets 100% of its electricity usage statewide with renewable electricity generation through a power purchase agreement linked to a NSW solar farm and a NSW wind farm; this is the next step, supplying its own renewable energy.

McKay added that Port Authority’s Sustainability Plan 2020 has embedded sustainable practices across the business with a focus on improving efficiencies, optimising service delivery to reduce environmental impacts, and enhancing long-term sustainability outcomes.

The installation of the rooftop solar panel system is part of Port Authority’s Sustainability Plan and Net Zero targets, committing to reduce carbon emissions to reach net zero by 2040, with a 75% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Image credit: Port Authority of NSW