Sydney Convention Centre to Host Southern Hemisphere’s Largest CBD Solar Farm

The International Convention Centre Sydney is set to become home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rooftop solar installation, with approximately 4,500 photovoltaic panels slated for its roof. The system will generate enough electricity to power about 400 homes and, together with purchased green electricity, will enable the government-owned site to run completely on renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions by up to 2,000 tonnes each year - an amount comparable to a forest of 100,000 mature trees.

Planning Minister Paul Scully highlighted the project’s potential to draw more events to the venue, while Capella Capital’s Chris Jones explained that the newer, lighter panels will boost output by roughly 300 percent. Battery storage was dismissed as impractical, so the grid will act as a virtual battery. The centre is also upgrading appliances to lower its $1.8 million annual power bill.

Removed panels are being given to the Kindly Animal Sanctuary near Armidale for continued use. The initiative aligns with broader state plans for urban renewable-energy zones in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.