Hobsons Bay has taken a major step towards its climate change mitigation goals of achieving net-zero emissions for council emissions by 2020 and for its community emissions by 2030. It is installing new solar panels on more than 40 council owned and occupied buildings, acting as a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

The Virtual Power Plant will generate 4 megawatts of solar energy, sharing energy between solar energy sites that are generating excess power and sites that need power. The energy goes where it is needed, rather than where it has been generated.

This solar energy system will reduce greenhouse emissions by approximately 4,000 tonnes a year, the equivalent of 55% of the council’s direct emissions over the coming two years. This is equivalent to taking almost 600 homes off the grid.

Extended benefits to the council and the community

The project will also generate substantial year-on-year savings for the council by reducing energy costs. These savings will allow council to put this money back into the community through the delivery of further services and programs.

The VPP will also enable council to install systems on tenanted buildings, with council and tenants benefiting financially from the investment. Tenants will have the ability to purchase solar power at a discounted rate from council, whilst enabling them to take an active role in reducing their environmental impact.

In the longer term, the project has been designed to provide the community with the opportunity to participate in what will become a Hobsons Bay Community Solar Network. This could enable anyone to opt-in to be a solar energy producer, an energy user or both. Under this model, the community cost savings would grow further.

An extensive community consultation program will commence in coming month, enabling the community to get involved in the design of the VPP to determine how best to share the benefits throughout the community.