The McGowan Government is working with the Water Corporation to reduce its energy use, committing $30 million over three years for solar energy projects around the State.
The Water Corporation will install about 45,000 rooftop solar panels, which is the equivalent of powering 4,400 households and reducing its emissions by around 18,000 tonnes per year, which is the equivalent of taking 7,700 cars off the road.
Since 2018, the McGowan Government has invested $2.8 million on 30 renewable energy projects at Water Corporation sites throughout the State, including six in regional Western Australia.
This further $30 million commitment over the next three years will see solar panels installed atop around 50 Water Corporation pump stations, other buildings and borefields throughout the State.
The project is part of a broader Water Corporation initiative to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which includes energy efficiency, tree planting, and emissions offsets.
The Water Corporation delivers essential water and wastewater services across 2.6 million square kilometres of WA, which requires a significant amount of energy.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
“The State’s water supplies are being adversely affected by climate change and the decline in rainfall, particularly in the South-West.
“It is important water utilities take every opportunity now to lead by example and do what they can to increase the use of renewable energy, such as solar, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that fast-track climate change.
“I am pleased the Water Corporation is utilising its assets around the State to take positive steps to reduce its energy footprint.
“It is great to see the Water Corporation remains committed to exploring and adopting new technology to increase the use of renewable energy.”
