Derby Regional Hospital’s carbon emissions and annual energy consumption are set to fall, thanks to a $1.4 million investment by the Western Australian Government in large-scale rooftop solar.
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The 910-panel, 364kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, equivalent to the capacity of about 60 home solar systems, has been switched on at the Kimberley hospital.
WA’s regional energy provider, Horizon Power, installed the state-of-the-art solar system in partnership with WA Country Health Service.
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, in turn cutting its carbon emissions by about 300 tonnes per year.
Installation of the solar system builds on the state government’s support for achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Western Australian Energy Minister Reece Whitby said, “The Derby Regional Hospital solar system is a great example of the Cook Government delivering on its commitment to increase renewable energy uptake throughout regional and remote Western Australia.
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“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.”
