A contract to install rooftop solar at the Derby Hospital has been awarded to two West Kimberley companies as part of the WA Recovery Plan.
The 364 kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system will supply around 40 per cent of the hospital’s energy requirements and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 334 tonnes annually.
Generators and Off-Grid Energy together with Aboriginal-owned construction specialists H&M Tracey Construction have been awarded the contract to design and install the system.
Both companies have proven track records in delivering large-scale, renewable energy solutions, including a 1.2 megawatt solar system at the Broome Boulevard Shopping Centre.
Nine regional contractors will be engaged on the project and one Horizon Power project manager. Installation works begin this month and are expected to be completed early 2022.
To date, 283kW of rooftop solar has been installed on the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley buildings, saving the Shire an average $130,000 a year in electricity charges and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 460 tonnes annually.
In addition, 1,100 new smart LED streetlights have significantly brightened the streets of Derby, improving safety for pedestrians and drivers, and allowing streetlight faults to be remotely monitored and responded to promptly.
Horizon Power will also deploy a community battery to ensure the hospital can benefit from the solar supply, without impacting the ability of other Derby rooftop solar customers.
The $5.2 million Derby Solar, Battery and Smart Streetlights project was implemented by Horizon Power in consultation with WA Country Health Service.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The Horizon Power solar system will supply up to 40 per cent of the Derby Hospital’s electricity, saving over $500,000 a year in electricity charges.
“These funds can be redirected to provide an improved level of critical health care services for the Derby community.
“Projects like this are key to creating sustainable regional economies, as part of the McGowan Government’s WA Recovery Plan.”
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“The McGowan Government is committed to working closely with regional communities to provide renewable energy solutions to help reduce their electricity costs and contribute to net zero emissions by 2050.
“This is just one of many projects being delivered as part of the WA Recovery Plan, which aims to create jobs, invest in our regions and help build a cleaner, greener energy future.”
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna:
“This is an exciting project for the Derby community. Congratulations to the successful contractors Generators and Off-Grid Energy; and H&M Tracey Construction.
“The Derby Hospital project has positively created local jobs for the community and opportunities for local suppliers.”
