Boost for Derby Regional Hospital with $1.4 million rooftop solar system

• Large-scale rooftop solar system energised at Derby Regional Hospital
• Installation follows $1.4 million investment by the Cook Government
• Modelling forecasts $70,000 in annual savings for major regional hospital

Derby Regional Hospital's carbon emissions and annual energy consumption are set to fall, thanks to a $1.4 million investment by the Cook Government in large-scale rooftop solar.

The 910-panel, 364 kilowatt rooftop solar photo-voltaic (PV) system, equivalent to the capacity of about 60 home solar systems, has been switched on at the Kimberley hospital.

WA's regional energy provider, Horizon Power, installed the state-of-the-art solar system in partnership with WA Country Health Service.

Modelling forecasts the system will lead to a $70,000 per annum reduction in variable energy costs for the hospital and reduce the hospital's annual energy consumption by 24 per cent, in turn cutting its carbon emissions by about 300 tonnes per year.

Installation of the solar system builds on the Cook Government's support for achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Comments attributed to Energy Minister Reece Whitby:

"The Derby Regional Hospital solar system is a great example of the Cook Government delivering on its commitment to increase renewable energy uptake throughout regional and remote Western Australia.

"This is a wonderful partnership between Horizon Power and WA Country Health Service that will reduce energy costs for Derby's major hospital while also cutting its carbon emissions.

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"This investment in rooftop solar for Derby Hospital will reduce electricity bills and cut carbon emissions.

"This project builds on the State Government's commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"I am excited with this announcement that not only exemplifies our commitment to the environment by reducing carbon emissions and saving money for essential health service delivery, but also aligns with our collective goal for net zero by 2050.

"We need to make sure our future generations are being looked after both with the environment and their health."