Investigation of renewable energy options continue

In line with Tamworth Regional Council’s ongoing commitment to increase its use of renewable energy, Councillors have tonight voted to support an investigation into purchasing a percentage of renewable energy to supply Council owned sites.

In addition, Council will continue to pursue the establishment of ‘behind the meter’ solar installations where financially viable.

However, Councillors decided not to pursue construction of a large-scale solar facility, due to projections of future electricity costs which indicate that an off-site solar facility would not be financially viable.

In July 2018, Council called for expressions of interest for the supply of large-scale solar energy with 16 responses received. Specialised consultants were engaged to assess the submissions and provide Council with a recommendation to move forward.

Tamworth Regional Council Sustainability Officer, Tim Hurcum, said Council is focused on increasing the uptake of renewable energy. 

“Recently Council sought information from the market on options for large scale solar energy supply to Council owned and operated sites,” he said. “A number of proposals were put forward, including the construction of a large-scale solar facility, however projections of future electricity costs indicate that the financial viability of such a project would be marginal.”

However, tonight’s decision not to construct a large-scale solar facility does not mean that Council is closing the door on using solar power. 

There are existing solar energy systems at Tamworth Regional Airport and Swan Street Sewer Pump Station and another 11 approved Council sites for solar installations across the Region which are expected to be installed later this year.

“Based on current electricity cost projections, the consultants agree the best way forward at this point in time is for Council to investigate buying renewable energy on the open market whilst continuing to pursue ‘behind the meter’ solar installations, where it can be shown these are financially viable,” Mr Hurcum said. 

“Purchasing renewable energy may come at a higher price to traditional sources so this option will need to be further investigated by Council.” 

Tamworth Regional Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2017-2021 has a focus area of increasing the uptake of renewable energy. More information can be found at www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/Environment