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North Keppel (Konomie) Island - a tropical island off Queensland's Capricorn Coast - is being completely powered by renewable energy, making it the first carbon negative island in the Great Barrier Marine Park.

Konomie Island is home to an environmental education centre run by the Queensland government.

The renewable energy system is the largest of its kind to be installed at a Queensland state school site.

It includes 258 Australian made solar panels, 36 lithium phosphate batteries, a wind turbine, and a backup generator for emergencies.

About 2,500 students stay on the island for school camp each year, where they learn about climate change, First Nations culture and sustainable living.

Konomie Island Environmental Education Centre Principal Andrew Gill shared “Our new solar panel and lithium phosphate battery system produces and stores enough electricity to power 40 households.

“This will pave the way for the air-conditioning of accommodation cabins through renewable energy only.

“The students who visit us can learn about state-of-the-art renewable energy systems and experience a truly sustainable and off-grid lifestyle during their stay.

“Hopefully the students then apply our school motto ‘Galanga Gu Wiyibi’ (Learning for Life) and take this experience back to their communities to help protect the future of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.”

The Queensland Government has invested $1.3 million to build the system, which was designed and delivered by Solar Hybrid Conversions.

The off-grid system, together with the sea grass beds grown and replenished by the school staff, makes the Konomie Island Environmental Education Centre carbon negative.

QLD Minister for Education Grace Grace advised “this new off-grid system demonstrates what we can achieve using technology to reduce our environmental impact.

“It is also a powerful educational tool to show the 2,500 students who visit Konomie Island Environmental Education Centre each year the latest in renewable energy systems.

“Hopefully we will inspire a new generation of environmental scientists and renewable technology engineers.”

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