AGL launches new solar PV system for Wang Wang and Funi
03 August 2010
AGL Energy, Australia’s leading renewable energy company, today unveiled a solar PV system that will form part of a 100% renewable energy offer powering the Giant Panda’s enclosure at the Adelaide Zoo.
Announced in June, AGL’s sponsorship of Wang Wang and Funi centers on the provision of solar panels for their enclosure and is a true demonstration of ‘energy in action’.
In a recent development, AGL increased its initial sponsorship commitment to Wang Wang and Funi by over 300% and visitors are encouraged to head down to see them enjoying their enhanced exhibit.
AGL’s detailed assessment of the energy requirements of the Giant Pandas’ exhibit led to the decision to increase the solar system’s capacity and add a further 26 panels to the original proposed eight in order to ensure that 100% of the exhibit is powered by renewable energy. Almost 50% will be generated by solar and the remainder by 100% GreenPower provided by AGL.
“With the increased sponsorship commitment, we have the privilege of powering 100% of the exhibit with renewable energy, with almost half that power generated from solar,” said David Hamilton, General Manager Marketing, AGL Energy.
The clean, renewable solar energy generated through the system will offset 14.4 tonnes of CO2-e annually.
AGL’s commitment has been gratefully accepted by Adelaide Zoo:
“As an organisation, we exist to save animals from extinction and with the generosity of partners such as AGL, we are better equipped to achieve this goal,” said Dr Chris West, CEO, Zoos SA.
AGL’s solar power will help provide the optimal environment for the Giant Pandas, assisting their continued adaptation to their new home at the Adelaide Zoo, while working towards the ultimate goal of securing the long term survival of giant pandas through breeding in captivity and managing the release of captive-bred pandas into the wild.
The power generated by the solar PV system will help with climate control by cooling rocks and powering misters in the enclosure, as well as generating electricity for lighting, refrigeration for food, panda camera surveillance footage and powering computers for research purposes.
“Wang Wang and Funi are developing well and enjoying the Australian environment. As summer approaches, they will enjoy the heat-relief provided by AGL’s solar PV system through the warmer months,” said Dr. West.
AGL will also provide an LCD information and educational screen in the exhibit detailing how solar power works, for visitor enjoyment.
AGL’s sponsorship of the Giant Pandas is a four year deal that will see the company install and project manage the Solar PV, provide preventative maintenance for the panels and financial support.
##ENDS.
For all media enquiries and more information please contact:
Giselle Lloyd
AGL Publicity Manager
03 8633 6115
0414 299658
glloyd@agl.com.au
About AGL
AGL is Australia's largest integrated renewable energy company and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 170 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer base. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.