Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) has installed a 30kW solar system over the roof of its workshop at the Port of Bundaberg, the first stage in a pipeline of renovation works for the building.
The solar array is made up of 160 solar panels, with three phase inverters installed inside the workshop.
The new system, which has a 25-year life span, also has a remote interface capability to enable monitoring via the Sonny Portal.
The installation is the first stage of the workshop refurbishment project, with plans in the pipeline to give the workshop a modern-update with renovation works set to transform the building to fit in with future developments.
Port of Bundaberg Manager, Jason Pascoe, said the port has gone from strength to strength in the little time GPC has owned and operated it and the solar panels were a welcome addition.
“The solar panel project fits with our mission which is to operate our port facilities and services in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner,” Mr Pascoe said.
“The solar panels provide economic and environmental advantages for our business.
“We are negotiating for the solar service to provide power to our administration building as well as surplus power going to the grid so we can get the most out of renewable energy.”
The refurbishment works are all part of GPC’s 50-year precinct outlook for Bundaberg which includes a marine industry site, world-class marina development, conveyor and new wharves.
“At the Port of Bundaberg we’ve facilitated more than 25 projects, one of the major ones including the $5.33 million upgrade in roads and drains on Buss and Newman streets where GPC contributed $2.82 million to the project,” Mr Pascoe said.
“Freshening up our workshop is another step which will have a positive effect on the area, visitors and our employees.”
GPC Acting CEO, Craig Walker, said the refurbishment project at Port of Bundaberg was part of a bigger plan for the port precinct.
“There’s a lot of work in the pipeline and we’re excited to get underway assisting the Port with its operations and transforming the area into a modern development,” Mr Walker said.
“We’re determined to unlock the potential at the Port of Bundaberg.
“We’ve put in the hard yards building up the reputation of the Port of Bundaberg and we’re ready for the next chapter of new export opportunities and development.”
