Renewable Energy

Thargomindah's role using alternative energy

This page is not about renewable energy in general. It is just an amazing insight in the history of a small Outback town using alternative resources.

Thargomindah, in the far south west of Queensland's Outback, was the first town in Australia, and the third in the world, to use hydro-electric power for street lighting. The artesian water bore that provided the water power was drilled in 1893. Water pressure was so powerful that the local council decided to build a power plant. Lights in the street went on in the same year.

The hydro-electric power plant continued to supply Thargomindah with electricity until 1951 when it was replaced with a generator driven by a diesel engine.

Scalding hot artesian water comes from the 795 m deep bore in Thargomindah

The artesian bore just 1 km outside town is worth a visit. There's a replica of the original shed, and a display of all types of renewable energy. Inside the shed are many original items including a working pelton wheel. I was very lucky and received a private demonstration how they produced electricity in the early days. It really was a highlight when the water roared through the wheel, and the bulbs went on in the shed.

Once again, Thargomindah is back into the limelight with the installation of solar heat-pump hot water systems to homes and businesses in town. Solar arrays have been installed at the swimming pool and the Bullo shire council chambers. It never ceases to amaze me, that a clear-sighted council in a remote Outback town is taking a leading role in the area of renewable and alternative energy.

Read more about Thargomindah