Clean technologies
Innovators for the environment
Become part of a region that is leading the way in clean technologies.
With a 20-year blueprint for sustainable economic development and one of the highest concentrations of clean technology businesses in Australia, the Sunshine Coast is the ideal location for clean technology and clean energy pioneers and innovators.
Clean technologies cover economically viable products services and processes that harness renewable materials and energy sources, dramatically reduce the use of natural resources and cut or eliminate emissions and waste.
Demand for clean technology solutions
- The Sunshine Coast’s fast-growing economy and increasing population is generating demand for clean technology solutions.
- University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) hosts the Sustainability Research Centre, providing access to contemporary research that supports the growth of the clean technologies industry.
- The Sunshine Coast hosted the 2019 National Clean Technologies Conference and Exhibition, bringing industry stakeholders together to drive growth, innovation and investment.
- The Sunshine Coast Airport is the first and only Australian airport to achieve and retain Level 3+ Neutrality under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
- Sunshine Coast Council is Australia’s first local government to offset its entire electricity consumption across all its facilities and operations from renewable energy generated at the 15MW Sunshine Coast Solar Farm (pictured below).
Cleantech Sunshine Coast
The region is home to one of Australia’s only dedicated clean technologies business associations, Cleantech Industries Sunshine Coast, which connects, educates, informs and celebrates, Sunshine Coast businesses that are on the sustainability journey.
Smart cities
Digital and clean technology solutions support local business growth and attract foreign investment. With digital in its DNA, smart opportunities abound with the international broadband network, Smart City Framework and a dedication to innovation.
Powering our future
Sunshine Coast Solar Farm
Sunshine Coast Council is powering its future and positioning the region as the solar industry capital of Australia with the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm.
At its peak the solar farm generates 15MW of electricity, which is fed into the Energex network. As a result, Sunshine Coast Council is the only government in Australia to offset more than 100% of its electricity consumption.
Based on today’s electricity costs over a 30-year period, the award-winning solar farm will provide more than $20 million in savings after costs.
Sunshine Coast Council has taken control of its electricity supply to combat rising costs and generate renewable energy to power its facilities and services.
- 15MW of electricity
- Saved $2.5 million in 2018
- Over $20 million savings over 30 years
- Over 30,000 megawatt hours of electricity
- Saving 25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions
Star performer
ENOPTE
ENOPTE is a world leader in the development of innovative commercial and home energy management technologies.
With a belief that smart energy begins with smart design, the Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre start-up graduate launched its smart renewable battery system Auzimax 2 in 2016. At the time it was the only battery system on the market with 24/7 reporting of internal cell information.
True to its intention to develop a comprehensive customisable energy solution, the company has now released its innovative ENOPTE Power Station. This fully integrated battery storage system is suitable for hybrid or off-grid solar power systems in homes and businesses, enabling solar power to be effectively stored and reliably delivered, optimising energy use and reducing costs.
The system is modular so it can be scaled up for larger energy requirements and fully transportable so owners can take it with them if they move or sell.
ENOPTE’s systems have been installed in more than 1,000 locations, generated 30,000 megawatt hours of power and saved over 24,000 tonnes of carbon since 2014.
“The Sunshine Coast is a fantastic base to develop a cleantech business. From the time we started at the Innovation Centre to our migration to the Coolum Beach industrial zone, the support we’ve had from local industry and council has been terrific.” Mark Leckenby, CEO, ENOPTE
Fast, clean facts
- $228 million industry value
- 150+ businesses
- 1500 jobs
- 7+ hours of sunshine, 300 days per year
- One of Australia’s only dedicated clean technologies business associations
- Caloundra ranked #4 rooftop solar postcode in Australia in 2019
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