Overview
The Shire of Derby’s remoteness and rugged environment make it a difficult and expensive region to supply energy to. By installing a roof-mounted solar PV system and a renewable energy smoothing battery at the Derby Hospital, and roof-mounted solar PV systems across the Shire’s portfolio of buildings, we will dramatically reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
When the sun goes down, we will still help the Shire save by converting more than 1,100 streetlights to energy-efficient smart LED streetlights. In addition to improving night-time visibility, smart lights allow us to monitor outages and optimise streetlight performance in real-time.
The project is being delivered as part of Horizon Power’s $75 million Renew the Regions program, a WA Recovery Plan initiative aimed at creating jobs and improving services in the regions.
Derby
$5.2 million investment
Completion by mid-2023
Cleaner, greener energy
We've installed 283 kWh of solar PV across 13 Shire buildings in Fitzroy Crossing and Derby — including the airport, local library, childcare centre and pool. This will save the Shire of Derby more than $130,000 in electricity costs each year and reduce greenhouse emissions by more than 390 tonnes per year.
We've also installed a 364 kWh solar PV system at the Derby Hospital and a solar smoothing battery energy storage system as well as a 289 kWh community battery at Nicholson Square park in Derby.
Keeping it local
We engaged suitably qualified and experienced local businesses and contractors to install the solar, battery and smart LED streetlights.
Derby locals, Remote Solar Solutions, installed the rooftop solar across the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley buildings, including the solar shade shelter at the Derby Pool.
Our community first approach ensures regional energy infrastructure upgrades stimulate the local economy through jobs and procurement opportunities.
Community heart in the art
We teamed up with local artist Jess Bidewell and more than 50 Derby kids to create a vibrant, 7 metre long mural — mounted beneath the new solar shade shelter at the Derby Memorial Swimming Pool.
The mural depicts Derby’s underwater wildlife and was developed by Jessica as a way to share the beauty of the area.
The Derby Pool attracts nearly 20,000 visits each year, so with an audience that big, there’s plenty for these budding artists to be proud of.
What does this mean for our community?
Energy savings
Reduced the energy bills of the Shire of Derby and Derby Hospital collectively by over $680,000 per year — delivering savings that can be reinvested into healthcare and community services.
Environmentally friendly
We installed 2000 PV panels, which delivers a cleaner, greener energy supply and reduces the Shire's carbon footprint by 693t CO2-e per annum.
Regions first
Creates local jobs through the delivery phase of the project and engaged local Aboriginal-owned businesses.
Improved safety
Safer streets at night due to more reliable street lighting and faster outage response times.
Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.