Stories
DKA Solar Centre Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Oct 01, 2018
Services: DKA Solar Centre, Desert Knowledge Precinct
Ten years of solar energy knowledge and expertise - and counting!
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the DKA Solar Centre, which was opened on this day in 2008 by the then Australian Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Garrett MP.
DKA proudly celebrates the people and organisations who have helped develop the Solar Centre, including the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Ekistica (known as CAT Projects in 2008). The DKA Solar Centre was completed with funding from the Australian Federal Government and is now commercially sustainable in its ongoing operations.
Based in Alice Springs, the Solar Centre combines research and development, education opportunities, investor insight, and knowledge generation and sharing. The Solar Centre demonstrates 41 solar installations, showcasing solar technologies of many types, ages, makes and models built in collaboration with industry and research partners. With over 300 sunny days a year, Alice Springs’ arid conditions make it the perfect demonstration facility for solar technologies.
The Solar Centre’s website showcases live interactive data and provides long-term performance data which can be downloaded. The website is accessed by more than 10,000 users across the world annually, including research institutions, academics, students, product developers, investors, industry and members of the public. Visitors are also welcome to visit the Solar Centre and complete a self-guided tour during business hours.
The Solar Centre provides electricity to the organisations on the Desert Knowledge Precinct, reducing the amount drawn from the grid. DKA engages Ekistica for the operation and maintenance of the Solar Centre.
Then and Now
- At its opening on 1 October 2008, the DKA Solar Centre featured 15 installations; ten years later, there are over 40 installations at the largest multi-technology solar demonstration facility in the southern hemisphere.
- In 2008, the DKA Solar Centre provided the Desert Knowledge Precinct with 20% of its energy needs. Today, the Solar Centre supplies 42% of the Precinct’s power.
- Ten years ago, it was predicted that the Solar Centre would save over 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. This year, the Solar Centre has helped avoid 314 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Since 2008
- The DKA Solar Centre has generated 3.7 million kWh of energy, equivalent to 2,500 tones of avoided CO2 emissions.
We’re celebrating the Desert Knowledge Precinct’s 10th anniversary! Join us at the Twilight Festival for food, entertainment, Arrernte cultural activities and a chance to learn more about the organisations on the Precinct striving to make the desert a better place to work, learn and live.
Find out more:
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