Gippsland Water has launched Australia's largest floating solar array, boasting a capacity of 350kW and comprising 644 individual solar panels. The array is installed atop one of the treatment lagoons at the Drouin wastewater treatment plant.
Acting Managing Director of Gippsland Water, Simon Aquilina, highlighted the significance of the solar panels in the organization's renewable energy endeavors. Aquilina stated, “These solar panels will help us reach our renewable energy target of 100 per cent by 2025 and contribute to achieving our target of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2030.” He emphasized the array's dual benefits, noting its role in reducing evaporation from the wastewater treatment process.
Moreover, Aquilina underscored the economic advantages of solar energy adoption, asserting that it helps to lower operating costs, thus mitigating the burden on customer water bills. He added, “At peak capacity, the solar array can fully power the treatment plant, producing enough kilowatts to power nearly 90 homes per day.”
Gippsland Water has positioned solar power as a focal point in its pursuit of net zero emissions. Last year, the utility activated a 1,200kW solar array at its Gippsland Water Factory in Maryvale. The Drouin wastewater treatment plant marks the eighth Gippsland Water facility to incorporate solar energy into its operations.
The floating solar panels represent a key component of the $55 million upgrade to the Drouin Wastewater Treatment Plant. These panels serve as one of the final additions to the revamped plant, which commenced operations in 2022.
