The design of the new Western Australian Museum has been unveiled and solar power is one of its dominating features as reported by Energy Matters.
Brookfield Multiplex was awarded the contract to design and construct the $428 million project, which will be 4 times the size of the current museum. The development will include 7,000 square metres of galleries and a 1,000 square metre area to stage special exhibitions. Sustainability and energy efficiency have has a big part to play in the design of the new museum which will incorporate an innovative thermal energy solution combining solar power and water heat-exchange systems.
In addition to energy cost savings, the project will achieve a 30%-40% carbon emission reduction. The size of the solar power system and how much it will continue to contribute to the complex’s electricity needs is not yet clear. The state government says the museum will be an essential part of Perth’s cultural precinct and is expected to attract tourists and visitors all over the world.
According to Colin Barnett, Western Australian Premier, the concept is very impressive and it’s a bold and distinctive design; from the vast plaza to the spacious galleries that overlook the CBD.
The project will provide thousands of construction jobs. Early site work will start before the end of the year. Major construction is expected to start in early 2017 with a 2020 completion date. Western Australia has embraced solar power for home and commercial buildings in order to cut down electricity costs and bring down energy-related carbon emissions.
According to Australia’s Clean Energy Regulator data, more than 205,596 small-scale systems are installed throughout the state. According to Australian solar provider Energy Matters, a 5.2-kilowatt solar panel system installed in Perth can bring a financial benefit of up to $1,800 every year, depending on the installation and electricity consumption of the user.