High cost of diesel prompts Northern Territory cattle station to move to solar power

The cattle station in the North Territory is making the switch in order to solar power as most operations begin feeling the pinch associated with rising fuel prices.

The actual territory has the highest costed diesel in Australia, which includes retailers making 35 pennies per litre profit, based on the Automobile Association of the Upper Territory.

Many remote stations' only source of electricity are diesel powered generators, burning through thousands of dollars worth regarding fuel each year.

Simon Hoar, from Moroak Station within the Roper River, said having been planning to install solar power to lessen his diesel costs.

"With solar on a previous house we had, we outlaid the cash, which was a big cost to be able to us, but the generating involving power with fuel works to about $100, 000 [per year], inch Mr Hoar said.

"With solar you can save money also it pays for itself pretty rapidly.

"You still have a back-up generator and use a minimum amount of fuel. We were obtaining one [delivery] of fuel a year in our previous place.

"It was a big saving. One saves probably $25, 000 having a bit of servicing on the electric motor and looking after batteries. inches

Mr Hoar said their generator used about seven, 000 litres of energy per month, with diesel equating to about 35 % of the station's running expenses.

"All our vehicles as well as machinery are diesel, and i also have a big dozer arriving, it will use 1, two hundred litres a day, " this individual said.

Due to the remote precise location of the property, which is inaccessible for many of the wet season, Mister Hoar said he depended on large deliveries several times a year.

"We have gas storage for the powerhouse connected with 25, 000 litres, however have another 20, 000 litres storage at an additional shed, " he stated.

"We definitely make sure we have it in before the damp. We can get cut off for quite some time.

"Once you pay for the decrease, you have that fuel unless you need some more.

"Anything might happen between the next load, [the price] might come up or drop a little more, you never really know. very well

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