Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: How solar at the MCG can help Melbourne reach net-zero target | Rooftop solar at the MCG can help Melbourne reach net-zero target
Australia has more sunshine per square metre than any other continent in the world. The solar opportunity is immense, and the country is one of the leaders in the uptake of renewable energy.
In fact, Australia recently went past 3 million solar power installations, with the last year seeing a record number of installs. This is despite lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions, indicating Australians are committed to making a difference.
With Australia committing to a net-zero greenhouse emissions target by 2050, the focus is not only on a national level, but also on a state and city level to help achieve this goal. One such city is Melbourne, which has a solar potential of a mammoth 2,354 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, or 75% of the city’s current consumption.
MCG makes a difference by installing 220 solar panels
In late 2020, the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), whose annual energy demands is equivalent to about 4,000 Victorian households, made the switch to solar energy. The project saw 220 solar panels installed to power the stadium’s innovative water recycling facility and contribute to a sustainable future.
Research by the Monash University suggests that the Melbourne city centre could meet about two-thirds of its energy needs if photovolatic panels are installed on enough sunny rooftops. The MCG, which hosts a number of sporting events right throughout the year concluding with the iconic Boxing Day Test, gives Melbourne a huge boost towards achieving its net-zero targets.
The ground could generate up to 2,200 kilowatts (kW) of solar energy. It leads the way in a push to have more environmentally-friendly buildings in cities. Peter Wearne, General Manager – Facilities of the Melbourne Cricket Club, spoke of the MCG’s desire to make a difference.
“Sustainability is embedded into the operation of the stadium. From strict waste management programs, water recycling and monitoring of our energy consumption, to being a part of local and global action groups committed to furthering environmental principles,” said Wearne.
“The use of solar power is an exciting next step for the stadium and we are looking forward to seeing how the panels perform across the coming summer and beyond.”
This follows a move to install LED technology in the famous light towers back in late 2019 and early 2020. The lights are much more energy efficient than the old globes. Plus, they last longer which results in fewer replacements.
“The new lights are approximately 50% more energy efficient than the old globes and also have a much longer lifespan, meaning less need for replacements and therefore less waste,” said Wearne.
