Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre powers ahead with solar investment

The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) is taking a major step toward sustainability with the installation of 368 solar panels on its 50-metre pool roof this month.

The panels will generate around 260 MWh of energy annually, meeting up to 18 per cent of BALC’s annual electricity needs.

The City of Ballarat, which owns and operates BALC, has contributed $220,000 to the solar installation this summer, with the project expected to deliver a return on investment within approximately five years.

Open 7 days a week with an annual attendance of over 700,000 patrons, the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is also one of the largest energy users in Ballarat.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves highlighted the importance of investing in clean energy for the centre.

“The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is such an important facility for our community’s health and wellbeing,” she said.

“BALC is a vital space where locals of all ages come together to stay active and connected. This investment means BALC can harness solar energy to support its electricity needs while reducing its environmental footprint.”

The solar panel initiative is part of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to be environmentally responsible through the operation of its services.

Manager of Aquatic and Leisure Services at BALC, Gerald Dixon, welcomes the addition.

“Transitioning to clean energy is not only great for the environment, it’s also using smarter and more efficient technology to power the centre” he said.

“Over the next two years, we’ll also move to electric heat pumps to eliminate our reliance on gas, and this solar project is a key step in supporting that transition.”

The solar panel installation will commence in late January. There will be minimal impact on services during the installation period.

Learn more about the City of Ballarat’s sustainability initiatives at https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sustainability