COCKATOO ISLAND
CHALLENGE
The heritage-listed Turbine Hall on Cockatoo Island is managed by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, an Australian government agency charged with overseeing the return of former Defence and Commonwealth sites on Sydney’s harbour foreshore, to public use.
Environmental sustainability is a focal point of the Trust’s mission. It aims to become a leader in implementing operational initiatives that combat climate change and educating the public about the benefits of an energy efficient lifestyle.
The Turbine Hall was the largest building in the Southern Hemisphere at the time of its construction in the 1940s. It is an impressive structure, regularly used for large scale events. Its sheer size and solitary location means that it is an excellent structure on which to install a solar electric system.
The Harbour Trust successfully applied to the Australian Government for funding under the Green Precincts Fund to engage specialists to design and install a solar electricity system. The system must overcome significant heritage and geographical constraints to generate sufficient electricity to power the Turbine Hall and feed electricity back into the grid.
SOLUTION
Solgen Energy, with a strong reputation for design and engineering excellence delivered an end-to-end proposal in the tendering stage thus creating certainty around the Trust’s vision. Solgen Energy delivered a system with the maximum possible output, while adhering to strict regulations for heritage buildings and overcoming the harsh impact of its marine environment.
Solgen Energy’s exceptional planning and project management capabilities delivered over 50 tonnes of equipment to the island over the period while maintaining unfettered public access throughout. The project was delivered on-time, within budget with progress updates at regular client meetings.
For the first time in Australia, SCHOTT solar double-glass photovoltaic panels were used to mitigate the risk of glass etching due to the salty atmosphere. Glass etching is a key risk to output performance with a similar outcome to constant shading. German manufacturer SCHOTT back the panels with a 30 year warranty. Aesthetically the panels were the perfect fit in maintaining the integrity of existing skylights and allowing some light to flow through the panels themselves.
The 65kW system comprised 216 SCHOTT solar 300 watt double glass panels and six SMA SMC 10000TL inverters which cover an area of 680 square metres. Two and a half kilometers of cabling were concealed within the structure, thus maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the building’s design.
BENEFITS
With efficiency levels above 98%, the system demonstrates the Harbour Trust’s commitment to taking action on climate change, while simultaneously providing it with financial and environmental rewards. The system will produce more than 100MWh of electricity per annum, 25% more than the Turbine Hall’s annual electricity consumption. Major benefits of the system include
- Feeding electricity into the grid
- Reducing C02 emissions by 110 tonnes per annum, the equivalent usage of 12 average homes
- Reducing energy & operating costs
- Demonstrating positive action on climate change.
TESTIMONIAL
“On site Solgen Energy’s staff conducted themselves impeccably and demonstrated a high level of professionalism. They respected the heritage nature of the building’s fabric and were consultative and cooperative every step of the way.
This is an installation of exceptional quality, both of its components and its workmanship. It is likely to outperform its rivals in both output and longevity. Importantly, each of the products offer a longer guarantee and performance warranty than other items on the market.
Thank you Solgen Energy for delivering an outstanding solar installation and providing excellent service.
”David Williams, Director (Cockatoo Island and North Head Sanctuary)
