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VIC solar array switched on

AGL Elecsome

Gippsland Water has switched on a floating solar array at the Drouin wastewater treatment plant in Victoria.

The 350KW system features 644 individual solar panels and floats on one of the plant’s treatment lagoons.

Gippsland Water acting managing director Simon Aquilina said the solar panels were part of the organisation’s commitment to renewable energy targets.

“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,” Aquilina said.

“They also positively impact the wastewater treatment process by reducing evaporation.”

At peak capacity, the solar array can fully power the treatment plant, producing enough kilowatts to power nearly 90 homes per day, Aquilina said.

Gippsland Water is undertaking several innovative projects on the path to net-zero, with solar power a major focus.

Last year a 1,200KW solar array was switched on at the Gippsland Water Factory in Maryvale.

The floating solar panels are part of a $55 million upgrade to Drouin wastewater treatment plant.

While the upgraded plant became operational in 2022, the floating solar panels are one of the finishing touches.

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