Energy Minister Bill Johnston was in Derby yesterday celebrating the installation of 13 rooftop solar systems at Shire of Derby/West Kimberley community buildings and the completion of 1,100 streetlight upgrades.
Derby's Aboriginal-owned solar installers Remote Solar Solutions were engaged to install 283 kilowatts (kW) of rooftop solar across the Shire's public buildings.
The installations will save the Shire an average of $170,000 per year on electricity costs and help reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 460 tonnes annually.
The 1,100 smart LED streetlights have helped improve night-time visibility and safety for pedestrians and drivers; Horizon Power will also be able to monitor and respond to streetlight faults and outages in real-time.
Minister Johnston and Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin also officially opened the Derby Memorial Pool's new custom-made solar shade yesterday. The structure has a 40kW solar system and will reduce the pool's operating costs.
Additionally, solar panels will be installed at the Derby Hospital later this year and a community battery should be completed in early 2022.
The $5.2 million Derby solar, battery and smart streetlights project is part of the McGowan Government's WA Recovery Plan.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"The McGowan Government is committed to working closely with communities to provide renewable energy solutions that will help reduce their electricity costs and create jobs.
"This project has provided the State Government with an opportunity to partner with the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, local contractors and the community to deliver innovative renewable energy solutions.
"This is just one of many projects being delivered as part of the WA Recovery Plan, which aims to create jobs and support regional growth."
