Queensland’s renewable energy revolution is kicking in at Ipswich, with the city’s first solar farm approved and a solar-powered car park in operation.
Speaking from the Goodna Technology Park’s solar car park today, Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said over the past five years under Labor, 39 large-scale renewable energy projects were operating or are financially committed, creating 5700 jobs in construction.
“Queensland’s renewable energy revolution is steaming ahead, and Ipswich is part of that progress,” Dr Lynham said.
“Renewable energy is an emerging industry and essential to Queensland’s economic recovery strategy because it creates jobs as well as reducing emissions and driving down power prices.
“Ipswich is part of the revolution with the city’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charger and now a solar farm proposal.”
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said Ipswich homes and businesses were clearly embracing a renewable future.
“The city has around 26,000 rooftop solar systems generating energy and reducing emissions,” he said.
“It’s great to see businesses like the technology park taking up the renewable energy challenge with electric car charging and investors like having confidence in our city and renewables.
“Most importantly, if Eiwa proceed with their proposal, that’s jobs for Ipswich.”
Dr Lynham officiated at the solar car park today, where he also re-charged the Energex electric vehicle he was travelling in.
The 24-space car park has 216 solar panels that can generate up to 55 kW of solar power, and two electric charging stations able to give a 120 km boost in one hour, or fully recharge a car during a business day.
It is the latest in a growing collection of electric vehicle charging stations in Ipswich, including one at Springfield that is part of the State Government’s electric superhighway.
The super highway provides 18 electric vehicle charging points to allow the 2000-plus Queensland-owned EVs to travel from Coolangatta to Cairns and from Brisbane to Toowoomba. The Palaszczuk Government has committed a further $2.5 million for Phase 2 of the super highway to build additional charging sites.
Park owner Bruce Leslie said installing the charger was a good business decision as well as a good decision for the environment.
“Excess electricity generated will be provided to onsite businesses and is expected to help deliver return on our investment in four to five years,” he said.
“We want to demonstrate to other Queensland businesses that it is feasible to provide completely renewable charging for electric cars at work while also generating a reasonable commercial return.”
Goodna Technology Park offers energy-efficient office space to five businesses. The building itself also has a 30 kW capacity solar system, which means the entire complex including the new car park can now generate up to 85 kW of solar power.
