Library pulls plug

Central Telegraph
Friday 2/5/2008 Page: 1

THE "clean and green" image of Biloela continues to grow with the town's library now run by energy from the hot Australian sun. The ClimateSmart Living Communities project was launched last week, a joint initiative between Ergon Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Banana Shire Council. Through the project the library will be powered by the sun rather than electricity generated by coalfired power stations.

Ergon Energy donated and installed solar panels, in the form of a two kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system, on the roof of the library, which will generate power from the sun for the library. Through a monitor in the library, people will be able to see the energy generated by the system and how many tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions have been saved.

The solar PV system will enable the library to generate its own power, saving money on electricity bills. It adds to the area's green image, along with the Oxyfuel project at the Callide Power Station. Banana Shire Mayor John Hooper told local school children who attended the launch that they had a job to do in reducing the use of powering by keeping an eye on older people's use of power and of course their own use. "Because the more power we use the more global warming we cause," he said.

Cr Hooper also congratulated the Biloela State High School students for their projects of an Energy Audit of the Biloela State High School energy usage and their proposal to install a rainwater tank to catch rainwater from their space frame building. The council has asked the CEO to investigate where it can reduce its energy usages. "I expect an energy audit will be carried out of council energy use," Cr Hooper said.

He said council may pinch the high school's idea and will investigate installing rain water tanks to catch rainwater from large buildings. The water could then be used to water lawns, the mayor said. Ergon Energy corporate communications manager Bob Pleash said it was good to see community representatives at the launch.

"School children are the future and can influence the actions of older generations and bring awareness to the climate-change issue," Mr Pleash said. He said Ergon Energy would lead by example and install solar panels at the Biloela depot. The community will also benefit from two gifted PowerMate meters.