Goldfields leads way in solar energy use

• Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre's new renewable energy project to save about 8,000 gigajoules of natural gas each year

• Equivalent to 384 tonnes of carbon dioxide

• Project marks first commercial-scale emissions reduction from LEED

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today flicked the switched on solar heating panels for the Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre's swimming pools - part of one of Australia's biggest solar heating installation projects.

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is on track to replace most of the centre's gas consumption with a combination of ground source heat pumps and solar panels.

"The overall project is supported by $533,790 from the State Government's LEED fund and marks the fund's first commercial-scale emissions reduction," Mr Marmion said.

"To complete the overall project, ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic components will be installed later this year, with overall projected savings of 8,000 gigajoules of natural gas each year.

"In a climate such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder's, winter pool heating is essential if this community facility is to be used year round.  Currently it is heated with gas which has to be transported thousands of kilometres. 

"This project is an excellent example of the ground-breaking work being done in the State to find and use alternative sustainable energy resources."

Energy Minister Peter Collier said the LEED fund was an important part of the State Government's commitment to address climate change in Western Australia.

Mr Collier said the LEED fund supported the development of new, low emission technologies and renewable energy supplies to reduce the State's carbon footprint.

The project was co-funded by a Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Fund grant from the Federal Government.

          Fact File

• Total LEED funding for the project is $533,790

• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's project is using a mix of solar thermal, photovoltaic and ground source heat pump technologies

• Liberal National Government is committed to low emissions energy development and has invested $12.5million from the Government's Low Emissions Energy fund in a demonstration wave power plant at Garden Island; $20million towards the 10 megawatt Greenough River Solar Farm; $6.5million to expand the Solar Schools program and $6million to continue the solar water heater subsidy scheme

Environment Minister's office - 6552 6800

Energy Minister's office -  6552 6300