In a first for a South Australian council, the City of Adelaide’s operations will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity from today, 1 July.
The City of Adelaide has partnered with Flow Power to meet its electricity needs from renewable electricity from the South Australian grid, through a power purchase agreement.
This city leading project is a long-term commitment that will support South Australia’s energy transition and foster the growth of renewable electricity generation and jobs growth in our State.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Sandy Verschoor, said that they were pleased to be flicking the switch over to 100 per cent renewable electricity. The agreement is a first for any council in South Australia.
“We signed this agreement at the end of 2019 and it is now ‘going live’. From 1 July, if it’s run by the City of Adelaide, it’s being powered by renewable electricity,” said the Lord Mayor.
“This means that all our corporate and community buildings, council event infrastructure, electric vehicle chargers, barbecues in the Park Lands, water pumps, street lighting and traffic lights – everything that council operates – will be powered by renewable electricity.
“The electricity to be provided by renewable generation each year is equivalent to powering over 3,800 homes. The switch will reduce emissions by over 11,000 tonnes or the equivalent of taking 3,500 cars off the road. Electricity cost savings are anticipated to be in the order of 20 per cent compared to the City of Adelaide’s most recent contract.
“One of the outcomes in our Strategic Plan 2020-2024 is for the City of Adelaide to be an environmental leader and we’re aiming to be one of the world’s first carbon neutral cities – switching all of our own operations to renewable electricity will help us achieve these goals.”
The electricity will initially be delivered from Clements Gap wind farm in mid-north South Australia. Two solar farms, constructed in Coonalpyn and Streaky Bay, will in due course contribute around 25 per cent of the City of Adelaide’s electricity supply when they are operational.
Flow Power Co-Founder and Director, David Evans, said “This agreement cements South Australia’s position as world leader in renewable energy.
“We are happy to be a part of that momentum, which will also see the City of Adelaide support the delivery of new solar projects into the state and the energy market.
“This is a long-term partnership, which will empower the City to fulfil its ambitious climate commitments and help drive Australia’s transition to net-zero.”
Switching to renewable electricity is only one part of how the City of Adelaide is taking action to address climate change.
The City of Adelaide’s total solar power capacity is now 1.1 megawatts, with systems on eight buildings that generate enough electricity to power 338 homes. On-site solar power is saving the City of Adelaide 12 per cent in building electricity use and over a quarter of a million dollars per annum.
The City of Adelaide also offers support and incentives for its ratepayers and property owners including the Sustainability Incentives Scheme, the CitySwitch Green Office program and the Building Upgrade Finance program.
To find out more about what actions the City of Adelaide is taking to address climate change, go to www.cityofadelaide.com.au/about-adelaide/our-sustainable-city/responding-to-climate-change/.
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