Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has partnered with La Trobe University to support its journey to achieve its net zero emissions target as early as 2029. 

As part of the La Trobe solar farm project, the university has tapped Schneider Electric for innovative technology to ensure reliable power for a 2.5MW/4.5MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and 2.9MW PV installation. The battery will enable La Trobe to store any extra power generated by the solar farm and provide stabilisation to the grid.

La Trobe University, in collaboration with Schneider Electric and other supporting partners, delivered a fully integrated, tailored solution designed to enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation in sustainability. Schneider Electric upgraded medium voltage switchboards to seamlessly integrate the solar farm and BESS, advancing La Trobe’s sustainability objectives. This is a direct Scope 1 initiative for the university as it installs SF6 free switchgear to ensure the solar farm’s power reliability, with further distribution upgrades planned over the next 5 years across university campuses. 

The installation of the advanced SM AirSeT switchgear extends the system’s lifecycle by an additional decade, from 30 to 40 years, while also simplifying end-of-life management. Its innovative design promotes circular performance, eliminates the production of toxic by-products, and requires no air recovery or recycling at end of life.

Funded by La Trobe University in 2022, it is Victoria’s largest urban solar farm, with 4,300 solar panels on a 3.5-hectare site at its Bundoora Campus contributing 2.9 megawatts of PV to the university’s operations.

“La Trobe is a leader in higher education and this project is an exemplar of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainability and the environment,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said. “This investment will deliver ongoing emissions and cost savings to the University for the next 25 years.”

The partnership aims to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency while supporting La Trobe University’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. Schneider Electric’s expertise in sustainable energy systems ensures seamless integration of the solar farm with the university’s infrastructure, enhancing operational performance while reducing emissions. 

By implementing Schneider Electric’s SF6 Free Switchgear and Power Monitoring Expert (PME) solution, the university will reduce a minimum of 69,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the environment and improve its overall power and operational efficiency, ensuring reliable energy distribution from its solar farm.

“La Trobe University’s solar and battery installation exemplifies the power of partnerships and necessary collaboration to drive decarbonisation and innovation with impact,” said James Hunt, Vice President Power Systems, Pacific at Schneider Electric. “We are proud to contribute to La Trobe’s vision of a net zero carbon emissions future and deliver solutions that make a tangible difference to the university’s operations, the broader community, and the environment.”

For more information on Schneider Electric’s SF6 Free Switchgear visit: SM AirSeT | Schneider Electric Australia