AFL Stars Support Solar Energy for Portarlington Demons Club
The Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club is set to reduce its annual power expenses by £12,500, following the installation of a cutting-edge solar and battery energy storage system (BESS), facilitated through Footy for Climate’s ‘Power Forward’ initiative.
Established in 2021 after the devastating Black Summer bushfires of 2020, Footy for Climate is a non-profit organisation founded by retired AFL players Tom Campbell and Jasper Pittard. This group is dedicated to addressing concerns regarding the future of both the environment and the sport they hold dear.
Power Forward: Aiming for Sustainability Across Clubs
The cornerstone of Footy for Climate’s efforts is the ‘Power Forward’ programme, which seeks to implement solar panels, battery storage systems, and various sustainable solutions at over 500 clubs by 2030, ultimately achieving cumulative annual energy savings of approximately £5 million.
This weekend marks the official launch of the third solar and BESS project under the Power Forward banner at the Portarlington Demons Football Netball Club, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, just a short drive from Geelong.
Significant Savings with New Energy System
The newly installed system, featuring a 47.5kW solar panel setup paired with a 50kWh battery, has been entirely funded, including installation, by the NSW-based Resinc Solar & Battery. This initiative is projected to save the club an impressive £12,500 in annual electricity costs while achieving a substantial 94 per cent reduction in grid energy usage.
Tom Campbell, who retired from his football career earlier this year, expressed his views on the importance of community clubs, stating, “They’re the lifeblood of Australian sport, nurturing the game we cherish. However, climate change and rising energy costs are increasingly straining these local institutions.”
The Importance of Clean Energy in Football
Campbell further emphasised the significance of the Power Forward initiative: “We are working towards establishing a network of clubs that are resilient to climate impacts while also benefiting financially through reduced power bills, enabling them to remain operational even during extreme weather events.”
He added, “Clubs equipped with clean energy solutions will be better positioned to act as vital community resources during adverse weather conditions.” Moreover, Campbell touted the programme as an example, remarking, “It demonstrates that adopting clean energy is not a daunting task; rather, it’s a sensible investment for the future.”
Previous Projects and Community Resilience
Footy for Climate has already completed its first installation at the Mansfield Football and Netball Club in mid-2025, which employs a 30 kW solar system and a 40 kWh BESS that has reportedly diminished the club’s energy expenses by around 90 per cent. Another deployment occurred in March this year at the Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club.
These solar and battery setups aim not only to lower energy costs but also to enable clubs to serve as resilience hubs for their communities during power outages, providing much-needed stability in challenging times.
Investing in Club Growth
“Our community and club are expanding rapidly as more families move into the area,” explained Adam Kiss, president of the Portarlington Football Netball Club. “This means we are also faced with climbing energy costs. The savings we gain from the solar and battery system will be redirected towards enhancing our facilities and increasing participation in our newly established Women’s team.”
Kiss continued, “Clubs like ours often find themselves dealing with the impacts of climate change, such as flooded fields and severe storms. I take great pride in demonstrating what practical climate action involves.”
The launch of the solar and BESS installation at the Portarlington Football Netball Club will take place during the Seniors match this Saturday, with Tom Campbell set to join local community members and representatives from Football for Climate and RESINC to mark this exciting occasion.
