Port embraces solar power

Port of Auckland has flicked the switch on hundreds of solar panels fitted to the roof of its multi-level car handling facility at Bledisloe Wharf.

The port’s first large-scale solar installation, and currently the biggest in Auckland’s CBD, features 1,344 solar panels and is expected to produce around 876MWh of renewable electricity annually.

A social media post announcing that the system went live in June says that’s enough to power about 100 homes, or provide about six per cent of the port’s current grid energy use.

“It’s a major milestone in our push to reduce emissions and strengthen the resilience of our power network,” the port says. 

“As ports around the world transition to low-carbon futures, this is a significant step towards our own electrification goals.

“We’re also planning more solar installations, including on the roof of our main building at Fergusson Wharf as part of its refurbishment.”