Clarence led other southern municipalities in generating solar power in 2016-17. Local people are taking power generation into their own hands. About 7.8 million kilowatt hours of power were generated and returned to the grid in the 2016-17 year by local Clarence homes and commercial buildings .
In Clarence, over 2,821 home roof tops have solar photovoltaic panels and 827 have solar hot-water systems. There are 66 solar photovoltaic systems in the commercial sector, a 3-fold increase from 2006-07.
There were 29 electric vehicles registered in Clarence in the 2016-17 financial year.
Electric cars are recharged by electricity from Tasmania’s electricity grid. Electricity generated in Tasmania has a much lower greenhouse gas
emissions ‘factor’ than petroleum products.
The ‘factor’ is a number used to compare greenhouse gas emissions from different energy sources.
Climate change actions at Clarence City Council
The City of Clarence Strategic Plan 2021-2031 sets our corporate direction. Sections 4.4 and 4.5 relate to climate change.
Energy efficient street lighting cuts costs and carbon pollution
Clarence City Council changed all 2,400 street lighting lamps to energy efficient LED (light emitting diode) lights in 2020. The new lights are about 80% more efficient than the ones they replaced.
With lighting costs of nearly $1 million in 2018, the upgrade will lead to significant cost savings and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions for Council and the community.
The cost of the capital upgrade is expected to be paid back in operational cost savings in about 5 – 8 years. This is good for Council, and good for the environment.
Saving energy and reducing carbon emissions
Council’s three highest energy using buildings have been upgraded so they use less energy. Energy efficient insulation, lighting, heating and air conditioning have been installed. Council officers are continuing to pursue energy efficient upgrades for Council buildings.
Clarence leading municipality in generating solar power
Clarence City Council is contributing to the generation of solar electricity with the installation of a 100kW solar system on the roof of the Clarence aquatic centre. The solar power pre-heats water for the pool and provides power for heating and lighting.
Solar power is low emissions renewable energy. Power from the electricity grid is hydro-renewable energy. Local solar generation reduces the amount of energy from non-renewable sources imported to Tasmania from the Australian national electricity market via the Basslink cable.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station at Council Offices
An electric vehicle charging station is available for public use at the Council Chambers to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles in Tasmania make a valued contribution to reducing carbon pollution as vehicles are fueled by renewable hydro power from the grid rather than carbon-intensive petrol or diesel.
Home Energy Audit Toolkit
Council can help local business and residents to use energy more efficiently. People can borrow the Home Energy Audit Toolkit from Council, to measure energy use in their business or home and identify ways to use less energy and save money. Contact Council to borrow the kit.