Sydney’s ICC to Launch Largest CBD Solar Farm in Southern Hemisphere
The City of Sydney is gearing up to introduce what is touted as the largest solar farm within any central business district in the Southern Hemisphere. Plans are underway to install a solar array with an estimated capacity of 2 megawatts (MW) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour.
This week, ICC Sydney announced its intention to retire its decade-old rooftop solar system in favour of a new “urban solar farm” that will cover over 18,400 square metres atop its Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre, and Entertainment Centre.
Transition to a More Efficient Solar Solution
The original solar array, which had a capacity of 520 kilowatts (kW) and was installed in 2016, utilised heavier panels that limited the potential for wider coverage across the extensive rooftops of the complex. However, with a wider availability of lighter and more efficient solar panels, about 4,500 new modules will be fitted, collectively generating around 2 megawatts (MW) and producing approximately 2.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy annually – enough to supply 300 to 400 average Australian households.
Once this solar expansion is finalised, ICC Sydney aims to operate entirely on renewable energy, backed by existing energy procurement contracts.
Giving Back to the Community
As for the previously used Canadian Solar panels, roughly 150 of them are set to be relocated to the Kindly Animal Sanctuary situated near Armidale, enhancing their energy sustainability.
The decommissioning effort is spearheaded by Second Life Solar, which will not only donate usable panels to the sanctuary but also scrutinise every other significant component being removed from the site to identify their best potential future use.
Panels deemed suitable for reuse will be professionally assessed and electrically certified, while those that have outlived their usefulness will be routed to accredited recycling partners to recover valuable materials like aluminium, glass, and copper.
Naomi Hooper from Kindly Animal Sanctuary expressed her gratitude, stating, “As a charity, energy costs significantly impact us, especially in winter when we need to keep vulnerable animals warm. These donated solar panels will reduce our reliance on costly diesel generators, lower our operating expenditures, and enable us to devote more resources to caring for rescued animals.”
Strengthening Sustainable Initiatives
Adam Mather-Brown, CEO of ICC Sydney, noted that the new solar system fortifies the organisation’s reputation as a leading sustainable venue for conventions and exhibitions globally.
“This initiative marks an essential step in ICC Sydney’s sustainability journey and highlights our dedication to superior environmental performance within the convention and exhibition arena,” he remarked. “The enhanced solar infrastructure will facilitate significant renewable energy generation on-site, supporting our clients’ sustainability objectives and aiding in the reduction of the carbon footprint of events featured at ICC Sydney.”
Support from Clean Energy Advocates
News of the ICC Sydney’s ambitious plans drew praise from clean energy advocates. The non-profit organisation Solar Citizens lauded the decision while advocating for more solar farms within CBDs to provide excess solar power to nearby residents.
New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, described the new solar project as a prime example of how urban areas can unlock renewable energy capacity. He stated, “Being part of one of the world’s most environmentally friendly convention centres is a significant draw. Hosting the largest solar farm in any CBD in the Southern Hemisphere will not only reduce emissions and energy costs for the ICC but will also elevate Sydney’s competitiveness in attracting major international events.”
Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO of Solar Citizens, added, “Maximising solar installations on large commercial and public rooftops is essential for all sectors to embrace. We urge both public and private entities to take advantage of the expanded rebates for solar installations up to 1 megawatt under the Federal Government’s Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, effective from 1 October this year.”
Douglas also expressed hope that the Minns Government would facilitate ICC becoming a true urban ‘solar farm’ and establish a system to share the excess solar energy produced during the day with local apartments and residents, thus fostering an ‘Urban Renewable Energy Zone’.
