The shire continues to explore new ways to achieve decarbonisation of our buildings and infrastructure. Our Heat Pump Hot Water System and Electrification Trials are two initiatives designed to improve understanding of emission reduction and cost saving opportunities.
Electrification Trial
By replacing legacy gas assets at Shire buildings with electric alternatives we are able to facilitate the use of renewable energy, doing away with the harmful emissions associated with gas use and the costs associated with gas supply. This trial will serve to inform Council of the costs and mechanisms required to transition to all-electric supplies across Shire assets.
To date the trial has seen the abolishment of gas supplies at seven sites, facilitated by replacement of space heaters, hot water systems and ovens and cooktops.
Heat Pump Hot Water System Trial
Hot water systems are considered the largest single source of emissions produced by the average Australian home. This trial will serve to inform Council of the costs, benefits, risks and opportunities involved with replacing electric storage hot water heaters with energy efficient heat pump equivalents.
Indicative results show energy savings to be around 300%, which when paired with available government rebates makes this an attractive pathway for cost-effective emission reductions and cost savings.