US trailblazing Mayor inspires Australian councils
Lancaster in Southern California has an impressive claim to fame.
Located just one hour’s drive north of Los Angeles, the city has become the first in the world to reach net zero emissions, now producing more energy than it consumes.
The ambitious target was set back in 2014 by the local council, who saw an opportunity to take advantage of their 280 sunny days each year.
Installing panels on seemingly any flat surface which didn’t move, almost every municipal building now has solar, as well as all 25 schools and even the local minor-league baseball diamond. Any electricity bought by the town comes from solar farms that have been built locally.
Transitioning a town home to 170,000 people onto renewables was no mean feat.
Bringing his experience to Australia, the three-time Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris recently attended the City Power Partnership summit in Kiama, on the New South Wales south coast.
Established by the Climate Council, the City Power Partnership helps Australian towns and cities make the change to clean energy.
The gathering of representatives from councils around the country was designed to inspire the type of renewable energy ambition like that seen in the City of Lancaster.
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey said his council decided to support the Cities Power Partnership “in the spirit of taking coordinated and positive actions to leave the planet in a better place for our children and grandchildren.”
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith takes out CPP Ambassador award
Drawing delegates from inner-city, suburban, regional and rural councils, Parkes Mayor Ken Keith received the City Power Partnership Ambassador award at the summit.
Famous for its annual Elvis festival, Parkes is fast building a reputation as a solar champion.
One of 12 projects funded through ARENA’s large-scale solar funding round, construction of the the 55 MW Parkes Solar Farm was completed in early 2018. Home to 206,000 solar panels, the farm produces enough electricity to power 21,000 homes.
Known as a passionate advocate of renewables – and part-time Elvis impersonator – Cr Keith said he was overwhelmed to receive the award.
“Parkes was one of the founding member councils of the CPP, and I am delighted to see that it is going from strength to strength,” Mayor Keith said.
“It has been incredible to see the kind of work that is being done by other councils around the country. To be recognised amongst such a competitive field certainly is humbling,” he said.
Since 2011, Parkes Shire Council has installed 610 kW of solar power on Council assets, with more work underway to promote renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint, while also cutting energy bills.
Renewable transition leaves valuable legacy
As well as becoming the world’s first net zero emission city, Lancaster’s renewable revolution has left a sustainable and lasting solar industry.
Estimated to employ more than 1000 people, the solar boom has helped the city to recover from the global financial crisis, which hit particularly hard locally. Employment rose as high as 17 per cent locally during 2009, but has now dropped below 6 per cent.
Chinese electric vehicle and battery manufacturer BYD have opened two local plants, one of which recently tripled in size to occupy a footprint of 450,000 square feet.
For communities around Australia grappling the the transition to renewable energy, Mayor Rex Parris and the City of Lancaster provide a strong lead to follow.
Other award winners at the City Power Partnership Summit included:
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Solar my School – Three Council Program from Randwick, Waverley & Woollahra Councils (New South Wales)
Energy Efficiency Achievement
Newcastle Museum Energy upgrade – The City of Newcastle (New South Wales)
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Transition to Zero Emissions Vehicles Action Plan 2018-21 – ACT Government
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Floating solar farm – Lismore City Council (New South Wales)
Knowledge Sharing Award
South East NSW Councils buddy group (New South Wales)
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