METROPOLITAN FIRE SERVICE

The Hon. R. WORTLEY (15:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Emergency Services a question regarding energy saving initiatives within the Metropolitan Fire Service.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R. WORTLEY: In recent years, the Metropolitan Fire Service has announced the building of a number of new fire stations. Will the minister advise whether any thought was given to incorporating efficient energy technology in these new buildings?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:20): I thank the honourable member for his important question. The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service has been progressive in its approach to energy efficiency. The Elizabeth and Golden Grove stations were built to an innovative design and are recognised as being amongst the leading stations in Australia. I am advised that the MFS has had inquiries from overseas about the station design, and that is due, in part, to considerations which were made in station design and energy efficiency.

Apart from the general efficient design considerations, two kilowatt photovoltaic systems (solar panels) were installed in those stations during construction. In a further move to enhance energy efficiency, the Beulah Park fire station, which is currently under construction, will have a 12 kilowatt grid-connected system. That station, when it comes on line, will produce more electricity than is needed for its operation, providing credits to be utilised by other sectors of the fire service. This 12 kilowatt system will become the minimum standard for future new stations. Under the grid-connected system, energy generated is fed into the station's power system, with any surplus being provided back to the electricity distribution grid. This system lends itself well to the fire service, where stations draw minimal power while firefighters are out on a call.

In addition to the inclusion of photovoltaic systems at new stations, 1.5 kilowatt systems are also to be installed at five other existing MFS stations. Importantly, in January 2007, the MFS commenced a program to install an eight kilowatt grid-connected photovoltaic system at the MFS Wakefield Street complex, at a cost of $100,000 (including system set-up costs). In August, a further eight kilowatt bank of photovoltaic cells was installed at a cost of $75,000. Late last month (September), the 16 kilowatt systems came on line. The MFS has tested the 16 kilowatt system, and it has reported that the new 'green initiative' is regularly generating approximately two-thirds of the power drawn by the Wakefield Street complex.

The MFS has a long-term plan to increase the system at its Wakefield Street complex to 32 kilowatts, maximising energy efficiency under this technology. The MFS has also commenced a two-year program of replacing hot water services with solar systems by 2009 across all metropolitan and regional fire stations. Obviously, the newer fire stations already have this technology fitted as part of their modern and energy-efficient design. These initiatives will assist the MFS in meeting the government's Strategic Plan target of a 25 per cent reduction by 2014 on 2000-01 energy consumption levels for government buildings. The project is an ongoing one, with further energy-saving initiatives to be undertaken as opportunities arise. I understand that the optimising of existing energy-consuming equipment is also being considered.