Solar air conditioning efficiency

As a real estate developer and manager, we are always looking for smarter and more efficient ways to develop and operate our assets, including our energy solutions.

Through our partnership with CSIRO we have recently unveiled a new solar powered air conditioning system that aims to change the way energy is used on a commercial scale.

Operating at Stockland Wendouree Shopping Centre in Ballarat, Victoria, the system uses concentrating solar thermal technology to produce heat energy that powers the air conditioning system.

The operational system is expected to significantly reduce HVAC electricity usage for commercial buildings. The roof space required for this pioneering technology can be 40% less than a traditional single stage desiccant system.

According to Davina Rooney, Stockland’s National Sustainability Manager, “Stockland considers the use of renewables as key to a low emissions future. Along with CSIRO, we will continue to monitor this solar cooling technology as it has exciting potential and may become part of our future renewable energy mix.”

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) provided $520,000 support toward to the $1.2 million, three-year project, which has been jointly managed by CSIRO and Stockland.