100% renewable electricity Council

As part of its Climate Change Strategy 2030, Cairns Regional Council has committed to 100% renewable electricity for its operations.

From 1 July 2024, Council will be sourcing more than 75% of electricity requirements from renewable sources through a combination of 3 megawatts of on-site solar and a renewable electricity agreement.

Cairns Regional Council is the first council in QLD to sign a renewable electricity agreement with CleanCo Queensland. This historic agreement commences 1 July 2024 and will power Council’s 80 largest facilities, including the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns City Library, Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre and the Cairns Regional Council Administration Building with 100% renewable energy. Most of the electricity will be supplied from the Kaban Windfarm near Ravenshoe.

Image shows the 700 kW solar PV installation at Council's Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant
700 kW solar PV installation at Council's Southern Wastewater Treatment Plant

Council facilities with on-site solar include:

  • Northern Wastewater Treatment Plant – 700kW system
  • Southern Wastewater Treatment Plan – 700kW system
  • Marlin Coast Wastewater Treatment Plant – 400kW system
  • Edmonton Wastewater Treatment Plant – 260kW system
  • Edmonton Leisure Centre – 100kW system
  • Martyn Street Works Depot – 100kW system
  • Tobruk Memorial Pool – 100kW system
  • Cairns City Library – 80 Kw system
  • Portsmith Recycling Facility (MRF) – 60kW system
  • Gordonvale Pool – 53kW system
  • Smithfield Pool – 53kW system
  • Woree Pool – 53kW system

And more than 18 x <40kW rooftop solar systems on community facilities throughout the Cairns region.

Last Updated: 16 October 2023

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