An Island Powered By The Sun

Lady Elliot Island is a remote coral cay on the southern Great Barrier Reef, and part of a delicate ecosystem under threat from climate change. Rising ocean temperatures, coral bleaching, and severe weather events all stem from global carbon emissions. Shifting to renewable energy is a powerful way to help protect the Reef.

That’s why we’re committed to our goal of being powered by 100% renewable energy.

Our solar energy journey began in 2007. The first step was an energy audit which identified actions to reduce carbon emissions, noise and the Resorts reliance on the 24hr/7 day a week diesel generator.

In 2008, we built our Hybrid Solar Power Station (HPS), an innovative system which combines solar panels, batteries and a back-up generator. This state-of-the-art system was one of a kind in Australia at the time. We initially reduced our generator use from 24 hours a day to 14. 

The system is modular and allows for straightforward expansion. Using the savings from diesel and some generous support we have grown and expanded the system to a commercial grade, 3-phase system with additional solar panels, batteries and associated infrastructure. In 2019 we achieved our first full 24 hours running on 100% renewables.

Our System at a Glance:

• Over 800 solar panels
• Producing 254kW of power
• 250 batteries 
• 32,000 amp-hour battery capacity (equivalent to 640 car batteries)
• 75% of power generation in 2024 was from solar
• Solar hot water systems across the island
• 180,000 litres of diesel avoided in 2024

These upgrades save 500 litres of diesel per day, reducing our carbon emissions by almost 500,000kg each year – the same as taking over 100 cars off the road

We aim to operate on 100% renewable energy every day. While this depends on weather conditions, Lady Elliot Island enjoys abundant sunshine, allowing us to run purely on solar power much of the time.

This significant achievement has been made possible with support from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; the Queensland Government’s ‘Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Rejuvenation Fund’ and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation ‘Reef Islands Initiative’

Our transition to renewable energy isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s about climate action and protecting one of the planet’s most spectacular natural wonders. We hope to inspire others to adopt solar solutions for a cleaner and more resilient future.