The University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has forged a reputation as one of Australia's leading providers of on-campus and online (distance) education programs in Australia. USQ is committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives.
To support USQ’s environment and sustainability vision Autonomous Energy recently completed a 1.1MW solar carpark project on the University of Southern Queensland’s Toowoomba campus. The successful project marked the start of Australia’s largest solar carpark. The university aims to cut its carbon emissions by 20%. The project is part of a $6 million, 2MW rollout that will include rooftop installations at three other USQ campuses.
Autonomous Energy solution
- Large scale solar car park covering 449 car spaces, with vehicles allowed 2.6m of clearance.
- 165 new LED light fittings (under carpark shading structure) designed by Autonomous Energy.
- Purpose-built inverter room with 19 SMA 60kW three-phase string inverters which send energy into a 1,250kVA GE transformer connecting to USQ’s 11kV network.
- Independent metering and data logging of output designed and integrated by Autonomous Energy. The monitoring system is integrated with USQ's website.
- Modification to existing high-voltage switchboard to install new current transformers for zero export control.
- Installation of specialised data infrastructure to connect security cameras and emergency call points via fibre optic.
- Custom-designed 1600amp AC solar protection board with campus-wide high voltage zero export control.
- Autonomous Energy will provide USQ with all ongoing Operation and Maintenance Services including a 100% performance guarantee on the system’s actual generation.
What USQ says
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The University has taken positive action to offset its energy requirements by installing a Sustainable Energy Solution. The 2 megawatt solar project will reduce the University’s total carbon emissions by approximately 20 per cent.
The solar project actively demonstrates the university’s commitment to its social responsibilities, carbon reduction initiatives and improving the environmental performance of the university across every aspect of its operations.
- USQ website
To read more about USQ's approach to the Environment & Sustainability - please click
here.