Warwick Solar farm is supporting the transition to renewable energy.
As UQ's own asset, this remarkable project cements UQ as a sustainability leader, building upon a long track record in renewable energy, which also includes the 3.3 megawatt solar farm at the Gatton campus and over 3 megawatts of solar systems on the rooftops of the University’s buildings across multiple campuses and sites.
The Warwick Solar Farm is first and foremost an act of leadership that demonstrates that a transition to renewables can be done at scale, that’s practicable and makes economic sense.
The power generated at Warwick, in addition to seven megawatts produced at Gatton and St Lucia, establishes UQ as a leader in renewable energy production in the tertiary sector.
The Warwick Solar Farm facilitates a wide range of teaching, research and engagement opportunities for UQ in addition to its environmental and financial benefits.
In addition, the site is home to a number of sheep that help out with grounds maintenance while grazing.
Fast facts
- Over 200,000 solar panels chasing the sun!
- The panels laid end to end would reach from Noosa to Coolangatta
- Clean energy generated is sufficient to power more than 25,000 homes every year
- Greenhouse gas emissions avoided equivalent to what's generated from almost 50,000 cars
- 750+ grazing sheep on site
- 35,000 native trees on site
- 8 on-site weather stations continuously monitoring conditions
- $10,000 in annual scholarships to local high school students
- $125,000 million invested
Information factsheets
- About the Warwick Solar Farm
- How does the Warwick Solar Farm work?
- How does the National Electricity Market work?
- Warwick Solar Farm facts and figures
Review to consider divestment opportunities
Updated: 20 June 2024
In June 2024, the University announced it was undertaking a market review to consider the possible sale of the Warwick Solar Farm.
Although the farm can generate more energy than UQ consumes, the University still needs to purchase power when it's not being generated by the farm.
Recent advances in the renewable energy sector provide other opportunities for UQ to achieve its 100% renewable energy target.
No decision will be made about whether to sell the farm until a detailed assessment is considered by University Senate. This is likely to be towards the end of the year.
In the meantime, the farm will continue to operate as usual.
If you have queries about the project, please contact sustainability@uq.edu.au