Melbourne Trams Power Depots with Solar Energy

Melbourne installs solar panels at tram depots to cut 1,000 tonnes of CO2 yearly

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Melbourne's tram network is getting greener with solar panels now powering depot operations. Yarra Trams activated nearly 100 kilowatts of solar power at Southbank Depot, the first of seven facilities slated for renewable energy installations, transit officials said. The 200-panel array will power depot operations and feed excess electricity into the network, with all seven depots expected to produce more than 550 megawatt hours annually.

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The solar panel installation is funded by the Victorian Government's Greener Government Buildings program, part of broader efforts to reduce emissions across public infrastructure. Melbourne's entire tram fleet already runs on electricity fully offset by solar-generated power from two solar farms in northern Victoria. The depot solar installations represent an additional layer of sustainability, directly powering maintenance facilities and administrative operations. Transit officials said the initiative aligns with Melbourne's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining one of the world's largest tram networks.

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The new solar panels are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 350 tonnes and save approximately $370,000 on energy costs each year across all seven depots. Yarra Trams is also installing skylights and energy-efficient LED lighting in five depots across the network, upgrades expected to reduce emissions by a further 700 tonnes annually. Combined, the solar and lighting improvements will cut more than 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly. Chief Executive Julien Dehornoy inspected the panels at Southbank Depot, officials said.

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The Southbank installation is now operational, with the remaining six depot solar projects scheduled for completion in coming months. Officials didn't provide specific timelines for when each of the other depots will receive their solar arrays. The lighting upgrades at five facilities are proceeding on a similar schedule, though exact completion dates weren't available.

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Riders won't see changes to tram service from the depot upgrades, but the sustainability improvements support long-term network operations and cost management. The energy savings will help offset operational expenses while reducing the system's environmental impact. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Melbourne's tram network, helping riders navigate the city's extensive public transit system.