A charging station for electric vehicles in Warwick is about to become operational after sitting idle for some months, according to the University of Queensland.
The charging station – located in the Acacia Avenue carpark, behind Target Country – is a joint brainchild of the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Southern Downs Regional Council and has been touted as one of the many side benefits of UQ’s massive solar farm at Sladevale north of Warwick.
With the electric ‘bowsers’ having sat behind reflective tape for a lengthy period since their installation, a UQ spokesman this week told the Free Times owners of electric vehicles will soon be able to plug in, charge up, and drive on their way.
“We have been waiting to finalise paperwork with Ergon before the electrical connections to the chargers could be completed,” the UQ spokesman said.
“I’m pleased to advise that this was finalised last week, meaning that the installation should be completed within the next week or so, pending the contractor’s availability.
“We are currently working with Southern Downs Regional Council to plan a formal opening event, but there will be a soft launch as soon as installation is completed.”
Work is progressing on the Sladevale solar farm and the installation of 300,000 solar panels, with UQ having previously stated that the power it generates – which will flow into Ergon’s statewide grid – will offset the university’s annual power consumption. Connection work is expected to commence by the end of September.
