Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia
	images	As one of only six island resorts within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park region, the World Heritage listed Lady Elliot Island provided a great opportunity to establish best practices in energy use for off-grid Eco-Tourism operations. In 2007 a comprehensive Energy Audit had identified many financial and ecological benefits from the installation of a hybrid diesel solar power system. In cooperation with the engineers from Tropical Energy Solutions in Townsville Peddle Thorp designed and installed the largest privately owned off-grid Solar Power System in Queensland. The system attracted a 50% funding subsidy under the Australian Governments Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme (RRPGP) and is regarded as unique and class-leading for a number of design features. Significant reductions in carbon emissions, noise and the reliance on fossil fuel were achieved. A fuel consumption reduction > 50% was the immediate outcome and further fine-tuning and load reductions will enable a final reduction of > 70% in emissions and fuel cost. Advanced monitoring tools are used to make the system performance data publicly available (to be launched soon). For further information refer to: http://www.ladyelliot.com.au/Default.asp http://www.tropicalenergysolutions.com.au/Lady_Elliot_Island.php The current performance will result in financial savings of $ 80,000 annually, plus another 10-20% of this amount for less need of fossil fuel transportation through barges, as well as in a reduction of 574 tonnes CO2 emissions annually. Savings through the first investment are going to be utilised for further environmental improvements. Ecologically Sustainable Design solutions of the Hybrid Power Station include: - Modular, expandable system, partly assembled off-site - 20kWp polycrystalline PV Solar Array, 132 m2 collector area - Natural materials with low embodied energy - Reduced fuel consumption and spillage risk - Natural ventilation for cooling of the solar cells and the battery banks - Sophisticated demand management functionality - Easy scalability of system due to AC-coupling between all loads and all supplies - No need for foundations as system components act as ballast, rated for cyclonic wind conditions Further sustainable initiatives were implemented through rainwater harvesting, grey- and blackwater treatment and the installation of water saving appliances and fittings. Energy efficient lighting and household appliances were installed throughout the resort. Existing energy intensive pumps are currently being upgraded and an energy efficient desalination plant is being installed. The long-term goal is to run the resort entirely on renewable power sources. Additional PV modules, wind turbines or future energy sources will be integrated as funds and suitable technologies become available. Stage 2 of the project is currently in the design phase, proposing a prototype for solar powered, modular Accommodation Units to be placed in different locations on the island. CLIENT:Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort COMPLETION: 2008
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