The state government have flicked on the switch of nearly 100 kilowatts of solar panels installed on the roof of its Southbank depot, the first of seven solar depots housing solar trams.
The 200-panels across seven depots will produce over 550 megawatt hours of power annually which will help power depot operations and keep the network running.
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Catching a tram is already one of the most sustainable ways to get around Melbourne, but these solar panels mean the network will be even more environmentally friendly – reducing the overall network draw on the power grid.
The new solar panels are expected to cut CO2 emissions by up to 350 tonnes and save approximately $370,000 on energy costs each year. Excess power will be fed back into the network when it is produced.
Thanks to the Labor Government Melbourne’s iconic tram fleet is powered by renewable energy from two solar farms in northern Victoria.
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“Tram travel is already one of the most sustainable ways to travel. We’re continually looking for opportunities to make our transport networks more sustainable,” says Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll.
“These panels have been made possible through our Greener Government Buildings Program, slashing C02 emissions significantly and helping to power Melbourne’s tram system.”
“We’re helping Melbourne’s iconic trams be part of the solution to climate change, as we reduce Victoria’s emissions by 50 per cent by 2030,” says the Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio.
“Working with the Government to install hundreds of solar panels on our depots was a natural next step after the 2019 agreement to offset the power required by all our trams with solar generated power,” says Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer Julien Dehornoy.
“We’re incredibly proud to have solar depots housing our solar trams.”
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