The Department of Defence has launched its first ever solar powered facility to detect signals intelligence.
The first of what is expected to be many of such moves, the $4 million solar power facility is based at the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Station near Geraldton, in Western Australia.
Announcing the new facility, the Minister for Defence, Christopher Pyne said the site was a key component in the Australian Signals Directorate’s architecture that was defending Australia from global threats.
“It is exciting that we are now producing for the first time solar powered signals intelligence,” Mr Pyne said.
“The facility is the first large-scale solar array developed by Defence, which has now increased its expertise in the procurement and installation of such facilities.”
Minister for the Environment, Melissa Price said she was delighted to open the 1.2 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility.
“The new solar powered intelligence facility will free up electricity to meet the demands of approximately 400 households in the local community,” Ms Price said.
“The solar power facility was delivered through local Australian contractors and is expected to save taxpayers up to $500,000 per year in electricity costs.”
She noted that Defence was the biggest user of energy in the Federal Government, but was uniquely positioned to be able to integrate renewable energy into its vast estate.
