Case study: Commercial Solar PV Systems installed at three Queensland Rail facilities
In September 2021, Queensland Rail flicked the switch on solar PV systems across three locations: the Corinda Depot, Sunshine Integrated Material and Logistics and Gracemere Tilt Train Maintenance facilities. The systems are designed to offset site electricity demand and send any excess power back to the grid.
The $320,000 project is bolstering Queensland Rail’s efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impacts.
Combined, the systems are predicted to generate over eight million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy throughout their operating life.
Approximately 600 solar panels have been installed across the three sites. The systems will be capable of generating approximately 332,000 kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year – the equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately 60 Queensland households. Over their lifetime, the panels are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6,000 tonnes.
As part of the project, Queensland Rail will be trialling a new Australian-made technology that helps to overcome voltage regulation issues associated with exporting electricity back to the grid.
This project represents a significant step forward in Queensland Rail’s sustainability journey. Queensland Rail delivered the project in partnership with local contractors, Planet Ark Power and Swift Electrical Group, supporting 24 local jobs.