Big rooftop solar array set to be switched on at Fremantle Passenger Terminal

This morning at the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, Victoria Quay, Ports Minister Rita Saffioti, assisted by Simone McGurk, the State member for Freo, announced the completion of a major solar array on the roof of the Passenger Terminal which, from this month, will help power Victoria Quay.

 
Comprising more than 1100 individual panels and covering much of the building’s roof, the 500kw solar array will be able to supply 100 per cent of the passenger terminal’s needs during cruise ship operations and 65 per cent of Fremantle Ports’ administration building requirements.
 
The system is one of the biggest rooftop solar arrays anywhere in the Perth metropolitan area. The Minister indicated that’s the equivalent of the panels on 100 residential homes.

 
The photovoltaic system will generate approximately 836MWh of electricity every year, equivalent to 2.5 per cent of Fremantle Ports’ direct usage.
 
Over the 25-year expected lifespan of the system, it will offset 15,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of planting 85,000 trees.
 
The initiative contributes to Fremantle Ports’ 2027 Strategic Plan goal to achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027.
 
This goal aims to achieve a sustainable port and supply chain over the long term and aligns with the Western Australian Climate Policy 2020 and the State Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
 
The cost of the installation was $950,000.
 
Fremantle Passenger Terminal is a heritage-listed building, which meant approval from the Heritage Council was required prior to the solar array being installed.
 
Careful consideration was also given to ensuring the installation would not be visually detrimental to the building’s heritage values, while a glare analysis report was undertaken to confirm there would be no increase in the glare index for adjacent residents in Fremantle or ship-board passengers. The panels cannot be seen from the surrounding area, at ground level.
 
The installation of the new solar array complements recent investment of $3 million by the State Government to upgrade and refurbish the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
 
The system is expandable to meet future needs, if required.

 
Minister Saffioti commented that –
 
“This is a great example of how community assets, like the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, can play a role in climate action.
 
“The passenger terminal is a very large building which made it ideal for installing 1100 solar panels, delivering one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the metropolitan area.
 
“The McGowan Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and, with this project, Fremantle Ports has demonstrated strong and sensible leadership at the local level in terms of cutting emissions.”
 
Freo member, Simone McGurk said –
 
“Fremantle locals are known for being environmentally conscious so it’s great to see our iconic passenger terminal going green by embracing solar power.
 
“This impressive installation will not only help power Victoria Quay – it will have the same benefit to the environment as planting 85,000 trees.
 
“Renewable energy is the way of the future, but as this project shows, the benefits to the environment can be realised without compromising aesthetics.
 
“This important heritage building holds a special place in the heart of many Freo locals and now is sustainable as well – contributing to Fremantle Ports plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2027.”

We have to say, every little bit helps. Well done Fremantle Ports, and the State Government.

By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News

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