Plan for floating solar panels on region’s dams advanced by Toowoomba Regional Council

The Toowoomba Regional Council has advanced a plan to install solar panels on the surface of the region’s dams.

The council has advanced a tender for a floating solar power plants on its dams. Photo by AFP

Solar panels floating on the surface of the region’s major dams could soon be a reality, after an energy company’s new tender was advanced by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

The council has invited EPC Technologies to proceed to the next stage of the tender process for its new energy generation project.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said he was pleased with how the tender process was progressing.

“We’re in the initial phase of a long-term, multistage project and the council is excited to be taking steps toward generating energy through its existing land and water assets,” Cr Antonio said.

“The council is keen to explore renewable energy opportunities that successful proponents might offer, including a reduction in our energy costs.

“Technology considered as part of this project could deliver important environmental benefits to our Region, including reduced greenhouse emissions.

“EPCT is proposing to develop a floating solar energy system.”

Cr Antonio said the floating solar project involved installing panels on a buoyant platform over a body of water.

“Solar energy could be used by the council facilities or fed back to the grid for community use – these options can be explored later in any potential energy project,” he said.

“If the project proceeds to delivery, the council will provide access to land and water assets and the successful company will develop the project, including providing necessary infrastructure.

“This project presents a major opportunity to boost our local economy, both during and after construction.”

EPCT is the second proponent to be invited to proceed to the next stage of the tender process.

BE Power, a proponent proposing to develop a pumped hydro energy storage facility, was invited to proceed to the next stage in August 2020.

For more information on the project, call the council on 131 872 and quote new energy generation project or email [e-mail].