SA WATER will reduce its demand on the grid and increase its renewable energy generation and storage capacity in an ambitious plan to achieve zero net electricity costs within the next three years.
The 2020 target will be progressed through a range of complementary initiatives that will see mature technologies embraced for immediate impact and a range of innovative emerging technologies tested in partnership with local and international providers.
SA Water will initially invest $10m on up to six megawatts of solar photo-voltaic panels to be installed across some of its large metropolitan sites, with the first installation expected to begin in the first half of next year.
Water and the River Murray Minister Ian Hunter said it was important SA Water continuously managed its electricity usage and costs for the benefit of customers and the environment.
“Their sustained focus on renewable energy generation is helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contributing to greenhouse gas reduction targets,” he said.
“Renewable generation is already well integrated with SA Water’s operations, but the advances in storage technologies presents the opportunity to take these to the next level.
“Piloting emerging technologies is another way that SA Water is continuing its long history of innovation.”
