Australia’s first ever floating solar power system located in the city of Lismore in New South Wales will soon be operational as reported by ABC News.
The solar farm will float on the overflow pond at the East Lismore Sewage Treatment Plant. This solar project is a partnership by the Lismore City Council, the local community, and investors.
The floating farm will produce 1.8 megawatts every year, using a 100-kilowatt system and will account for about 12% of the plant’s energy needs, plus, there’s a potential to expand the farm.
We are planning to generate the whole site’s electricity in the future. The water’s cooling properties also helps the solar panel to last longer and perform better, while the increased shade over the pond minimizes algal growth and evaporation.
Sharyn Hunnisett, council environment strategist
The floating solar farm is one of the council’s Renewable Energy Master Plan to reach their goal of having self-generating power from renewable sources by the year 2030.