Balcatta solar project helping power Water Corporation to net-zero future

• Water Corporation completes its largest ever solar installation - 688 solar panels equivalent to 310kW
• Solar installations are part of Water Corporation's ongoing investment in renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• State-owned water utility committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier
• Project supported creation of two new Aboriginal electrical apprenticeships

Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced the completion of Water Corporation's largest ever solar energy installation, part of the water utility's renewable energy program designed to help it achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier.

The $550,000, 310kW solar installation will provide almost all the power for Water Corporation's Balcatta office during the day - equivalent to enough power to run 90 average households.

The installation saw 688 solar panels installed by local Aboriginal-owned contractor Wilco Electrical, which supplemented 348 existing panels, and enabled the creation of two new Aboriginal electrical apprenticeships.

In 2020-21 alone, Water Corporation's renewable energy program added about 1,500 megawatt hours of renewable energy generation at 14 sites across the State, including two solar/battery hybrid installations, reducing emissions by approximately 1,000 tonnes per year.
 
As well as ongoing major wind and solar farm contracts, the solar energy program is part of Water Corporation's broader strategy to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which includes energy efficiency, tree planting, and emissions offsets.

Under the McGowan Government's Western Australian Climate Policy, Water Corporation is committed to becoming a net-zero emitter by 2050 or earlier.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"Western Australia is one of the most climate-impacted areas of the world, and with a drying climate more energy will be required to source and distribute water across the State - desalination in particular is an energy intensive process.

"Renewable energy sources, such as the major solar installation at its Balcatta office, are part of Water Corporation's ongoing work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations, and will help underpin the Corporation's commitment to be a net-zero greenhouse gas emission utility by 2050 or earlier.

"A low-carbon future creates economic opportunities and I am delighted that the Balcatta project enabled the creation of two new Aboriginal electrical apprenticeships in WA's green energy sector."

Minister's office - 6552 6100

Water Minister Dave Kelly with Water Corporation's renewable energy project team and contractor Wilco Electrical at the Balcatta office.