The Queensland Government has officially opened the new 401 kilowatt Solar Energy Farm at Hervey Bay.

 

State Energy Minister Mark McArdle said the  $2.7 million farm represents a key milestone for the solar industry on the Fraser coast.

 

“This is the first time in Queensland a stand-alone solar farm has been integrated with a major commercial and industrial sector business,” Mr McArdle said.

 

“The use of the solar facility will help meet the farm’s maintenance and depreciation costs, and help offset the cost of Wide Bay Water’s operations.”

 

Mr McArdle said the farm also includes five kilowatts of demonstration solar panels as part of a research project being undertaken by Queensland solar company, Ingenero.

 

“Any savings the farm generates will flow through to Fraser Coast ratepayers,” he said. 

 

“Construction of the solar farm has already seen around $800,000 spent locally on this project, delivering a boost to the local economy and businesses.”

 

Wide Bay Water Corporation Chairman Ms Leith Boully said the organisation was delighted to be utilising renewable energy resources.



“We have a broad ranging sustainability program and this solar farm is a new and important component of our continuing drive to improve the sustainability of Wide Bay Water Corporation’s operations,” Ms Boully said.