Enervest Builds Largest Floating Solar Array in Australia
Why this is here: The Brierly Basin system will be Australia’s largest floating solar plant upon completion, exceeding the 350 kW array at Gippsland Water’s Drouin wastewater treatment plant.
Enervest has begun construction on a 500 kW floating solar array for Wannon Water in Warrnambool, Australia. The AUD 2 million project will install approximately 1,200 bifacial panels on pontoons at the Brierly Basin water storage reservoir.
The array is designed to generate over 600,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. Wannon Water expects the project to reduce electricity costs and have a net-positive value exceeding AUD 500,000.
Pontoons will feature walkways and cables will anchor the system, allowing for reservoir level fluctuations. The project also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 600 tonnes per year and minimize algae growth by limiting sunlight. Victoria’s state government launched the initiative to help water companies reach net zero emissions by 2045.