Categories: CommentarySolar

Former coal-fired Brisbane Powerhouse generating energy again, this time solar

Published by

The Brisbane Powerhouse, a former coal-fired plant turned arts venue, has ​come full circle and is again generating power, but this time through the installation of a 100kW solar array.

The project, developed and brokered by New South Wales-based company Solar Choice was installed by local group Hembrows Electrical using Suntech 255W solar panels and 4x 25kW Schneider Conext inverters.

Solar Choice managing director, ​Angus Gemmell, said the project delivered “powerful symbolism” that the shift to clean energy was making big strides.
“It’s poignant to see solar panels glistening on the roof old defunct coal generators” Gemmell said.
The Powerhouse, first commissioned in 1928 to provide power for Brisbane’s now shuttered tram system, once delivered 56MW of coal-fired power, but was decommissioned after the trams were replaced with buses in the late 1960s.

In 1989, Brisbane City Council resumed ownership of the building and in the year 2000 it was brought back to life as a community centre, performance hall and events venue.

The addition of the solar panels to the heritage-listed building is the latest in a range of Brisbane City Council’s broader sustainability plans, he help deliver its goal of carbon neutral status for Council operations by 2031.

“Brisbane Powerhouse is thrilled to once again be a power generator, but in a very 21st century way,” said Brisbane Powerhouse CEO Fiona Maxwell in a media release about the project.

“We are delighted with the environmental leadership shown by Brisbane City Council in enabling this project and are excited to be a showcase to cultural precincts nationally for sustainability,” she said.


Sophie Vorrath

Sophie is editor of Renew Economy and editor of its sister site, One Step Off The Grid . She is the co-host of the Solar Insiders Podcast. Sophie has been writing about clean energy for more than a decade.

Share
Published by
Tags: coalsolar

Recent Posts

Home battery automation champion raises $78.5 million towards local growth, global expansion

Renewables retailer and home energy management specialist has closed a nearly twice oversubscribed funding round…

21 September 2026

Intergenerational Report plots fossil fuel decline, rise of electrification, as climate impacts mount

Intergenerational Report estimates coal and gas output could shrink about 70% by 2050 if emissions…

21 September 2026

Local utility gets green light to replace remote town’s diesel and gas power with a solar-battery hybrid

EPBC waves through one of a series of renewable energy projects being built to wean…

21 September 2026

Renewables retailer doubles down on coal country battery plans as huge new BESS prepares to power up

Victoria's coal country is rapidly morphing into battery country, as one huge project starts commissioning,…

21 September 2026

Route for first offshore wind transmission link mapped out amid scramble to meet 2032 target

VicGrid has released its preferred route for the 60 km new transmission line needed to…

21 September 2026

The Driven Podcast: Is Australia finally ready for V2G? | Live from Everything Electric Sydney

In this special episode recorded live from Everything Electric Sydney, we explore how close Australia…

21 September 2026