Renewable Energy Boost for Tourist Spot

Rottnest Island, the holiday destination in Western Australia famous for its annual swim and unique fauna, is set to boost its use of renewable energy.
 
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $4.8 million support for Hydro Tasmania to supply Rottnest Island with 45 per cent renewables via its innovative off-grid power system.
 
ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the high cost of shipped-in diesel presented a compelling case for island communities to make the switch to renewable energy.
 
“Hydro Tasmania, with support from ARENA, has spent several years developing its off-grid energy solutions that combine renewable and enabling technologies with existing diesel generation to provide reliable power,” Mr Frischknecht said.
 
“This project will build on Hydro Tasmania’s efforts on King Island. Six hundred kilowatts of new solar photovoltaic (PV) will be integrated with the existing 600 kW wind turbine and diesel generators on Rottnest Island by adopting the advanced control systems developed during the King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project.
 
“Hydro Tasmania will also integrate its control systems with the Rottnest Island desalination plant and water storage facility, allowing the plant and pumps to be switched on when renewable generation outstrips demand on the island. This will allow more renewable energy to be used without the need to install batteries.
 
“This innovative approach could be replicated in other remote off-grid communities that rely on desalinated water.”
 
The majority, up to $3 million, of ARENA’s funding may be recouped over the life of the $7.3 million project if it is successful.
 
Mr Frischknecht said there was an important public education aspect to the project.
 
“A new energy technology centre is planned for construction on the island, designed to educate visitors about the project and sustainability more broadly through interactive digital exhibits,” Mr Frischknecht said.
 
The island’s 5 GWh annual demand is currently supplied by five conventional diesel engines, two low-load diesel engines and a single wind turbine that was installed in 2004.
 
The project is due for completion in March 2017.