Once the 18,400m2 solar farm is operational, the convention centre will be powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity, with procured renewable energy to meet its remaining electricity needs.
Building on an existing solar energy installation at the convention centre, the expanded rooftop solar farm across the convention centre, the exhibition centre and the TikTok Entertainment Centre in Darling Harbour will generate 2.6 gigawatt hours of electricity each year – roughly the same amount of energy used by 300 to 400 households.
The installation will cut around 1,800 to 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from ICC Sydney’s carbon footprint every year.
The power generated by the solar farm will make ICC Sydney the fourth largest convention centre in the world to be powered by solar energy and the largest outside the United States.
“As international event organisers increasingly prioritise sustainability in venue selection, this project further strengthens ICC Sydney’s position as one of the world’s leading sustainable convention, exhibition and entertainment centres,” said ICC Sydney CEO, Adam Mather-Brown.
“The expanded solar network will allow us to generate significant renewable energy on-site while supporting our clients’ sustainability goals and helping reduce the carbon footprint of events hosted at ICC Sydney.
He said the solar farm “reflects our commitment to leading environmental performance across the global convention and exhibition sector”.
The NSW minister for planning and public spaces, Paul Scully, said the solar farm would boost Sydney’s competitiveness as a conference destination internationally.
“This is a great example of how we can unlock greater renewable energy generation and use in urban areas and power a vibrant city by taking advantage of building rooftops,” said Scully.
