Cricket Australia’s Climate Action: Solar Installation at Cricket Centre Reflects Captain’s Concerns
The National Cricket Centre in Queensland has taken a significant step towards sustainability by installing a 285kW solar rooftop system. This initiative is part of a collaboration with Cricket for Climate, a movement launched in 2022 by Australian Test captain Pat Cummins.
The new facility, which cost $323,000 to build, was unveiled on Tuesday, just in time for the upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. The solar system will provide half of the centre’s electricity needs and is expected to save $50,000 annually in energy costs. Over the 20-year lifespan of the project, it is estimated to deliver close to $1 million in savings.
The National Cricket Centre, located behind the Allan Border Oval, is home to integrated outdoor and indoor training and playing facilities. It features a state-of-the-art gym, cricket training nets with analytics technology, recovery pools, and access to cutting-edge sports science.
Cricket Australia invested $226,000 in the project, in addition to the 60kW of solar panels supplied through Pat Cummins’ Cricket for Climate initiative. Cummins, who became captain of the Australian Test cricket team in late-2021, has been using his platform to advocate for positive change in cricket.
Since the launch of Cricket for Climate, the movement has successfully installed 83kW of solar and batteries at five cricket clubs in New South Wales, with a total value of over $150,000. Generous industry partners, including Longi, Solis, and OSW, have donated 150kW of solar and inverter infrastructure to support these projects.
Cricket for Climate is a player-led movement, with cricketers personally contributing financially to the installation of solar at their junior or grade clubs. Completed projects include solar systems at Penrith Cricket Club, Tamworth Cricket Club, St George Cricket Club, Sydney Cricket Club, and Northern District Cricket Club. These systems are expected to save thousands of dollars in electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions by 116 tonnes annually.
Despite facing criticism for his activism, Cummins remains committed to using his voice to address important issues. Climate change, one of the causes he champions, has already had negative impacts on cricket. Extreme heat has led to match cancellations and players suffering from dehydration. Additionally, bushfires have affected cricket play, with smoke inhalation becoming a concern.
Cummins emphasized the vulnerability of cricket to climate change and expressed his desire to make a larger impact. The Cricket for Climate movement plans to expand its energy upgrade program and develop a blueprint for sustainable clubs of the future.
