Ports Minister Rita Saffioti announced the complete installation of a major solar array on the roof of the Fremantle Passenger Terminal, which will power Victoria Quay starting this month.
The 500 kW solar array is made up of 1,100 individual panels and covers much of the terminal’s roof. The system is capable of supplying 100 per cent of the passenger terminal’s needs during cruise ship operations and 60 per cent of Fremantle Ports’ administration building requirements.
The $95,000 installation is one of the biggest rooftop solar systems in the Perth metropolitan area, the Western Australian government said in a media statement.
The photovoltaic system is designed to generate approximately 836 MWh of electricity per annum, equivalent to $2.5 per cent of Fremantle Ports’ direct usage.
The system is expected to offset 15,000 tonnes of CO2 over its 25-year lifespan— the equivalent of planting over 85,000 trees.
The installation is part of Fremantle Ports’ 2027 Strategic Plan, which seeks to achieve a sustainable chain over the long term. It is also in line with the Western Australian Climate Policy and the State government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Furthermore, the solar installation also complements the WA government’s recent $3 million investment to upgrade and refurbish the Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
“The McGowan Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and, with this project, Fremantle Ports has demonstrated strong and sensible leadership at the local level in terms of cutting emissions,” said Minister Saffioti.
The system is expandable to meet future needs if required.
The WA government said careful consideration was also given to ensure the installation would not be visually detrimental to the building’s heritage values, noting that the panels are not visible from the surrounding area, at ground level.
“Renewable energy is the way of the future, but as this project shows, the benefits to the environment can be realised without compromising aesthetics,” said Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk. “This important heritage building holds a special place in the heart of many Freo locals and now is sustainable as well – contributing to Fremantle Ports plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2027.”
