75kW of solar panels and 60kW of battery storage will be installed at the Taree Waste Management Centre thanks to a $200,000 grant funded by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) Bushfire Recovery Program for Council landfills.
It's great news and builds Council's capacity and ability to respond during a bushfire or other natural disaster.
"Our waste centre operations were significantly affected during the bushfires of November 2020," explained David Rees, Manager of Waste Services at MidCoast Council.
"The centre was without power for a considerable period of time due to damage to power infrastructure in the area. This is critical, as the Centre processes large volumes of waste from the entire LGA, operating 10 hours a day, seven days a week."
"Without power, the Centre could not process waste. While we cannot prevent bushfires we can secure our future operations and provide a low-maintenance source of renewable energy," explained Mr Rees.
Photovoltaic solar panels will be installed on the transfer station and Community Recycling Centre rooftops.
"Solar will provide the electricity needs of the site, save costs and reduce our emissions. It will also make us more resilient in the event of future natural disasters by removing our dependence on the main power grid."
NSW EPA, Executive Director Engagement Education and Programs Liesbet Spanjaard said the EPA is proud to support council's project with $200,000 in funding.
"Our Bushfire Recovery Program for council landfills funds projects that repair or improve their landfill facilities and delivers multiple benefits and positive outcomes for a community."
"Once the panels are switched on, MidCoast Council's carbon footprint will decrease and so will costs for the community, while their ability to respond during natural disasters will increase. A fantastic project all round!"
"This move to renewable energy is part of Council's commitment to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions from Council-owned and operated facilities," added Mr Rees.
Operations at the waste management centre will not be disrupted. The works are expected to be completed by the end of September 2022.
