Western Australia’s Rottnest Island to Be Powered by 75 Percent Renewable Energy

A general view of The Basin is seen on Rottnest Island, Western Australia on March 23, 2020. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Western Australian (WA) government has committed $62 million (US$43.7 million) from the upcoming state budget to upgrade Rottnest Island’s energy and water infrastructure, with a view to running the tourist destination on 75 percent renewable energy.

According to a government release on Friday, with eco-tourism a growing sector and more travellers choosing destinations that place an emphasis on environmental sustainability, Rottnest is a class A nature reserve with rising eco-credentials to meet that demand.

The island, located 19 kilometres (12 miles) off the coast of Perth and reached by a short ferry ride, is a protected nature reserve with abundant flora and fauna, including the quokka, a small marsupial unique to southwest WA.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said powering Rottnest with 75 percent renewables will be a major achievement.

“The major reduction in emissions is a huge boost to efficiently running the island and in turn, benefits local businesses, operators, and visitors,” he said.

“These infrastructure enhancements come at a critical time where we expect to see future growth on the island as WA reconnects with the world.”

One of Australia's cutest marsupials is Western Australia's quokka. (marzipan3/Shutterstock)

The new funding is intended to reduce the island’s dependence on fossil fuels by expanding the existing solar farm near the airport to double the current generation capacity, and increasing wind energy capacity and efficiency by replacing the existing wind turbine generator with two smaller modern units.

In addition, the power distribution network will be upgraded and a utility-scale battery storage solution installed.

Included in these measures is the phasing out of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) on the island, as well as the consideration of renewable sources of power for the island’s fleet of vehicles. This is estimated to avert 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year

The investment comes after the WA government previously allocated $31 million towards upgrading the island’s ageing water supply and road network which is promoted as increasing the capacity of water production on the island and reducing water loss through leaks, as well as improved firefighting capacity.

Tourism Minister Roger Cook said Rottnest Island is the jewel in Western Australia’s tourism crown, a destination of choice for Western Australians, and a drawcard for travellers from interstate and overseas.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to replace the island’s ageing critical infrastructure, some of which dates back over 40 years,” he said.

“This investment by the McGowan Government showcases how sustainable tourism can be delivered at scale in Western Australia.”