This will complement the $4 million 2.0 megawatt system installation expected in 2019 which will see over 6000 panels installed across approximately 25 buildings at the Callaghan campus with additional panels also installed at the Ourimbah campus.
In 2016, CLEANaS in conjunction with the Tom Farrell Institute conducted a feasibility study on the Callaghan Campus going 100% renewable energy by 2020 as part of the Lighthouse Community Energy Project funded by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Growing Community Energy Program. This determined that it is both technically feasible and financially beneficial to implement 100% renewable electricity.
Achievement of this goal by 2020 will place the University of Newcastle as a leader in Sustainability and Energy Management across the Australian tertiary sector; will stimulate research and teaching in renewable energy; and will drive new student enrolments across all Faculties with young people attracted to learn at the greenest and most innovative University in Australia.