Derby Hospital powers up with $1.4m rooftop solar project

Derby Regional Hospital has activated a new large-scale rooftop solar system after receiving $1.4 million from the State Government.

The newly installed system comprises 910 solar panels with a combined capacity of 364 kilowatts, equivalent to about 60 average home solar set-ups.

The upgrade is expected to reduce the hospital’s annual energy consumption by 24 per cent and cut carbon emissions by about 300 tonnes each year.

The state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic system was implemented by Horizon Power in collaboration with the WA Country Health Service.

It is expected to save the hospital about $70,000 a year.

The upgrades are part of the Government’s broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the upgrade would help secure the environmental future of the region.

“I am excited with this announcement that not only exemplifies our commitment to the environment by reducing carbon emissions and saving money for essential health service delivery, but also aligns with our collective goal for net zero by 2050,” she said.

“We need to make sure our future generations are being looked after both with the environment and their health.”

Energy Minister Reece Whitby said the upgrades enabled the hospital to become more sustainable in the long term.

“The Derby Regional Hospital solar system is a great example of the Cook Government delivering on its commitment to increase renewable energy uptake throughout regional and remote WA,” he said.

“This is a wonderful partnership between Horizon Power and WA Country Health Service that will reduce energy costs for Derby’s major hospital while also cutting its carbon emissions.”