Mackerel Island Tourist Resort, off the coast of Onslow, has begun powering itself from one of Australia’s largest off-grid solar power station.
The 325 kilowatt hybrid solar-battery power station with a 640kWh battery system allows the eco-tourism resort to produce solar power from 1,200 solar panels during the day and store power in 512 lithium ion batteries for night-time use.
The power station designers, Energy Made Clean, took another Pilbara business off-grid last week when it provided The Pilbara Meta Maya Regional Aboriginal Corporation with a 100kW solar PV system with 76kWh battery storage.
Mackerel Islands chief executive Drew Norrish said the tourist resort chose the system after it grew in popularity and required more power.
“We wanted a system that would fit with our eco-tourism values, providing sustainable power well into the future without compromising on guest luxuries such as air conditioning and swimming pools,” he said.
“It needed to be cost effective and ecologically sustainable.”
EMC managing director John Davidson said Mackerel Island’s long-term vision to gain autonomy from fossil fuels was courageous and exemplary.
“We are seeing more and more businesses wanting energy autonomy and this project has given us the opportunity to showcase a fully automated and remotely monitored solar power station using WA-developed IP,” he said.
Premier Colin Barnett, who attended the power station’s official launch, said he was excited by the potential for more solar and battery power solutions in WA’s remote regions.
“It’s exciting to see this Western Australian developed technology and its potential to be applied across industries such as remote communities, Aboriginal communities, pastoral operations and tourism,” he said.
