MOUNT Gambier’s Marketplace shopping centre is to become one of the first in Australia to be powered by solar energy after a deal was signed with ReNu Energy to install photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof.
The centre is one of four SCA Property Group shopping centres throughout the country that will undergo the installation, with sites at Murray Bridge in South Australia and Lismore and Griffith in New South Wales securing the other deals.
Mount Gambier Marketplace’s Julie Niutta said the PV panels would be of a great benefit to the centre and the Blue Lake city as a whole.
“It improves green efficiencies and reduces the need to draw on the main power grid,” she said.
“It also provides efficient energy provision and opportunities for cost efficiencies for traders at the centre.”
Under the agreement, ReNu Energy will execute cornerstone electricity supply contracts with centre management in each individual shopping centre, enabling ReNu Energy to build a pathway to long-term contracted revenue streams from a high-quality counterparty.
Shopping centre tenants will also have the option to use ReNu Energy’s electricity supply contract, which may provide them with a reduction in their electricity costs.
ReNu Energy chief executive officer and managing director Chris Murray said they were delighted to announce the agreement with SCA Property Group.
“We are excited about our ability to provide our customer, SCA Property Group, with a cost competitive renewable energy solution,” he said.
“The systems will improve the green credentials of the centres and the behind the meter solar PV will provide a partial hedge against future retail electricity price rises.”
The first installation process will take place at Griffin Plaza in Griffith with the other centres to follow.
