Perth’s biggest rooftop solar array, built on the roof of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, will help power Victoria Quay, according to Ports Minister Rita Saffioti.
Comprising more than 1100 individual panels and covering much of the building’s roof, the 500kW solar array will be able to supply 100% of the passenger terminal’s needs during cruise ship operations and 65% of Fremantle Ports’ administration building requirements.
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The system is one of the biggest rooftop solar arrays anywhere in the Perth metropolitan area.
The photovoltaic system will generate approximately 836MWh of electricity every year, equivalent to 2.5% of Fremantle Ports’ direct usage.
Over the 25-year expected lifespan of the system, it will offset 15,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of planting 85,000 trees.
The initiative contributes to Fremantle Ports’ 2027 Strategic Plan goal to achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027.
The installation of the new solar array complements recent investment of $3 million by the state government to upgrade and refurbish the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This is a great example of how community assets, like the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, can play a role in climate action.
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“The passenger terminal is a very large building which made it ideal for installing 1100 solar panels, delivering one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the metropolitan area.
“The McGowan Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and, with this project, Fremantle Ports has demonstrated strong and sensible leadership at the local level in terms of cutting emissions.”
