World’s largest coal port installs solar

The Port of Newcastle, the world’s largest coal port, has completed the installation of its first major rooftop solar system, as part of the Port Authority of NSW’s ambitions of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.

Located atop the Newcastle Port Centre, the new 35.6kW solar system consists of 81 solar panels and will generate on average 150kWh per day to reduce the Centre’s reliance on grid electricity.

The installation of the Port Authority’s first rooftop solar system follows previous moves to ‘offset’ 100 per cent of its electricity usage with power purchase agreements with a local solar farm and wind farm.

“This investment in renewable technology is just one way Port Authority is meeting its own sustainability goals, while also actively offsetting increasing energy costs within our port facilities,” said Fiona McKay, principal environmental planner for the Port Authority of NSW.

“This 35.6 kW solar system provides, on average, 150 kWh/day of electricity, which will be used to offset electricity use within the Newcastle Port Centre. 

“The added benefits will see an estimated $170,000 in electricity savings over the life of the system which equates to around $9,000 per year.

“It is great to see this solar panel installation now complete, as this is the first major step in reducing the consumption of grid electricity for our operations in Newcastle.”

The Port Authority will aim to build on the success of its first rooftop solar system with its Sustainability Plan and Net Zero targets, which will see the Authority reach net-zero by 2040, with an intermediate 75 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.