The innovative Townsville Queensland Solar City project will be showcased to the world when international delegates descend on Magnetic Island later this month.

The transition of Magnetic Island into a ‘solar suburb’ will be highlighted to some of the leading international solar and renewable energy researchers and industry representatives in conjunction with the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES) Solar 09 Conference in Townsville.

Solar City Project Manager Ian Cruickshank said the delegates would be taken on a comprehensive tour of the Solar City project, with an opportunity to see innovation in action.

“The sustainable energy transformation underway on Magnetic Island is helping to change the way the community thinks about, and uses, energy,” Mr Cruickshank said.

“The Solar City project is successfully trialling a range of initiatives and energy conservation measures that aim to reduce wasteful energy usage, increase solar energy usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save customers money and defer network investment.

“We’re experiencing some very positive outcomes as a result, with 40 per cent of Magnetic Island residents and commercial enterprises already engaged on the project through the offer of free energy assessments.

“More than 160kW of renewable solar energy has been installed throughout the island and more than 190,000 watts of lighting have been replaced with energy efficient options.

“In addition, the Smart Lifestyle Centre provides an opportunity for the community to witness innovation in action, with education and renewable generation being integrated with forward-thinking technology.”

The international delegation of ANZSES conference participants will take part in a Renewable Energy Tour throughout Magnetic Island before enjoying a dedicated interactive display session and working demonstrations at the Smart Lifestyle Centre.

The Townsville Queensland Solar City project and Ergon Energy are also hosting the official Welcome Reception on September 29 ahead of the official start of the ANZSES Solar 09 conference on September 30.

“We expect there will be a number of opportunities to showcase the tremendous achievements of the Townsville Queensland Solar City project, while also learning from the experiences of other communities throughout Australia and overseas,” Mr Cruickshank said.