Why are iconic projects being proposed as part of Solar City?

Alice Solar City has supported and encouraged the development of major “iconic” projects in and around Alice Springs that will play a critical part in our strategy of making Alice Springs a national and international showcase for sustainable living and the use of renewable energy.

What iconic projects are proposed and what technology will they be using?

These projects will showcase large scale renewable energy technologies, including a variety of cutting edge solar photovoltaic concentrator and solar thermal technologies. The projects proposed include:

1. A large flat plate solar system at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs

2. A solar ‘farm’ at Ilparpa

3. Solar project at Alice Springs Airport

4. A solar air-conditioning system at the Araluen Cultural Centre

5. A large solar water heating project for the new Alice Springs Aquatic Centre

What is the status of the iconic projects?

The projects are at various stages of development and are expected to progress towards being confirmed subject to positive technical and economic assessment.

Crowne Plaza - Completed

The Alice Springs Crowne Plaza Hotel has installed more  than 1300 photovoltaic modules as part of the 304.98kWp photovoltaic (PV) system,  commissioned in early 2009. The system will reduce the hotel's CO₂ emissions by 420 tonnes per year with an estimated 531,000kWh being generated per annum. The installation will supply up to 80% of the instantaneous power demand during the day and reduce the total load on the Alice Springs power grid by 0.5%.

For more information on the Crowne Plaza installation, including live performance data, see here.

Alice Springs Airport - Commenced

A 235kW Concentrator Photovoltaic Array is being installed at the Alice Springs Airport. Click here for more information on this innovative project.

Ilparpa solar farm - In development

Due to the withdrawal of the previously proposed technology provider, Alice Solar City sought proposals from solar technology providers. Alice Solar City consortium is working with Alice Springs based renewable energy specialists, CAT Projects, to investigate technology providers capable of constructing a large scale solar power station for Ilparpa solar farm. See the media release. 

Araluen Cultural Centre - In development

This exciting project that will see the first solar air-conditioning in Alice Springs is currently in the tendering stage.

The solar power system is expected to reduce electricity use at the Araluen Arts Centre by about 50 per cent and gas usage by about 70 per cent.

The solar air-conditioning system will replace existing, ageing equipment, and largely consist of two major structures; a field of solar array collectors and a thermal plant room.  The solar array field will be made up of 46 collectors, comprising of 630m2 of collector area while the collectors are single axis parabolic troughs with oil as a heating medium.

The design has now been completed and tenders have now been called.  For more information, see here. 

The local community and visitors can also view detailed plans for the new multi-million dollar Araluen Arts Centre Solar Air-conditioning Project on display in the Araluen Arts Centre Foyer.

Aquatic Centre - In development

Alice Springs Town Council have confirmed that new Aquatic centre will be include a large solar pool heating system.  Funding arrangements with the Australian Government are being finalised.