As renewable energy surpasses coal to become the largest source of installed power capacity in the world, one community is leading the way locally.
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Climate action group, Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE) donated $4000 dollars to Tathra Public School on Wednesday, ahead of a fundraiser on Saturday night, to go towards installing solar technology on the school grounds.
“The plan is to get a substantial solar system onto the roof that will substantially reduce their emissions, their electricity bills and will be a great educational tool for kids growing up in Tathra,” CEFE founding member Matthew Nott said this week.
“It’s great to see our community sharing leadership on climate change action.
“There’s not many regional towns who could say they’ve done it all with community funding.”
The organisation is also hoping to purchase batteries in the near future, which will allow the school to store captured solar power.
“We are a whisper away from getting to that, and we are discussing a bulk buy of batteries, but I’m thinking we might hold off for 12 months before we look at fundraising for storage,” Dr Nott said.
“I think there is enormous community support for what we are doing.”
Year 6 pupil and school environment minister, Annabel Scott, is excited by the prospect of her school contributing renewable energy to the Australian power grid.
“Renewable energy is important because it’s better for the planet, it saves money and reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere,” Annabel said.
Over half a million solar panels were installed each day around the world in 2015 and CEFE has now incorporate solar technology on every public building in Tathra.
“I’ve been really disappointed politically on a national scale but at a local level we’ve had strong support,” Dr Nott said.
“I wish politicians would take it seriously.”
Merimbula group The Figmentz will be performing at the Tathra Public School solar panel fundraiser on Saturday, October 29.
The night is has been organised by climate action group Clean Energy for Eternity and will begin at 7.30pm, with all proceeds going towards equipping the school’s roof with a solar photovoltaic system.
Tickets for the night cost $25 and are available from Tathra Public School P&C members, by emailing admin@cleanenergyforeternity.net.au or phoning Prue Kelly on 0418 161 547.
