A power station combining renewable and traditional sources of generation has been opened in Marble Bar.
A power station combining renewable and traditional sources of generation has been opened in Marble Bar.
Horizon Power's Pippunyah Solar Diesel Power Station is one of a number of renewable energy projects under development by the company - including solar-diesel stations in the remote Aboriginal towns of Kalumburu and Yungngora (Noonkanbah).
The station in Marble Bar incorporates a single axis tracking solar farm with diesel technology and a fly wheel energy storage system.
"The station is powered by the biggest tracking solar farm in Australia," said Mines Minister Norman Moore.
"The 1,350 panels, an award-winning design of SunPower, move on their axis to follow the path of the sun and produce a generating capacity of 1,160 kW."
Horizon Power managing director Rod Hayes said the business would focus on delivering the most reliable, safe, affordable and secure power generation, to even the most remote locations in its 2.3 million square kilometre service area.
"This project goes to the heart of what Horizon Power aims to achieve in remote and regional areas of WA - innovative solutions, long term partnerships and real engagement with our customers," Mr Hayes said.
Mr Moore said regional WA, particularly the Pilbara, was critical to the rest of the nation and the State Government was proud to support leading-edge technology that was efficient, reliable and environmentally-friendly.
"Marble Bar is significant for many reasons; the three billion year-old rock on which it was based, the world record it held for the most consecutive days of maximum temperatures and, now, a world-first in power generation technology," he said.
Energy Minister Peter Collier said the station began powering the town of Marble Bar in May but the rigorous testing period was only completed at the end of July.
"When the demand for energy and temperatures are high around the middle of summer, the solar panels will provide up to 89 per cent of the load," he said.
Horizon Power has built a tourist information bay to explain the significance of the station.
