The Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s and the world’s most iconic and diverse ecosystems, has been in decline for decades. Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s Forever Reef Project is working to protect the genetic biodiversity of the reef. This feat could not have been achieved without the help of GoodWe. GoodWe helps to power the project with their battery storage system. Keeping the lights on has never been more crucial for the future of our reef.
We explored the Forever Reef Project’s setup at the Cairns Aquarium in episode 1 of Energy Matters.
About the episode
Cairns Aquarium in QLD is home to The Forever Reef Project. Roshan met up with Dr Dean Miller, Managing Director of Great Barrier Reef Legacy and project director. Ultraviolet lights illuminate the tanks that house the various species of coral. The tanks mimic the delicate ecosystem and help the coral grow.
The Forever Reef Project is dedicated to collecting, cataloguing, and storing living fragments and genetic samples in the cutting-edge holding facility. Serving as a “coral ark,” this initiative aims to preserve the living biodiversity of corals. It ensures they are not lost to us and future generations. This repository of live fragments and genetic material will play a crucial role in supporting global reef research and restoration efforts.
Dean explained that the facility relies on uninterrupted power to ensure that the coral is maintained at optimal levels. This can only be achieved with battery backup power. This system ensures that the facility can continue to operate for two to three days on battery storage alone. The battery and inverter were donated by GoodWe; global manufacturers of solar inverters, battery storage, EV chargers, and BIPV.
About GoodWe’s battery storage systems and inverters
GoodWe battery systems and inverters are built to empower Australian homes and businesses with reliable, efficient, and smart energy solutions. At the heart of their offering is the Lynx Home F Series battery, a high-voltage lithium-ion system designed for seamless energy storage. With a modular design, it allows for easy capacity expansion — from 6.6 kWh to 16.4 kWh. This means you can scale up as your energy needs grow. Additionally, the Lynx Home F boasts an impressive round-trip efficiency of over 95%, ensuring minimal energy loss when storing and retrieving power. It also features smart BMS (Battery Management System) technology, which protects against overcharging, overheating, and short-circuiting. This gives Australians peace of mind while maximising their renewable energy use.
Pair this with the GoodWe ET Series inverter — a robust three-phase hybrid inverter with a capacity range from 15 kW to 29.9 kW, and you’ve got a powerhouse combo. With up to three MPPTs (Maximum Power Point Trackers), the ET Series optimises solar energy capture across multiple roof orientations. This boosts efficiency. This hybrid inverter effortlessly switches between solar, battery, and grid power, helping homeowners reduce their reliance on the grid and cut electricity bills. It also supports uninterruptible power supply (UPS) functionality. This keeps essential appliances running during blackouts — a huge win for those in bushfire-prone or storm-affected areas. Together, the Lynx Home F and ET Series offer a smart, scalable energy solution that puts control back into the hands of Australians. It helps them future-proof their homes while slashing carbon footprints.
Why choose GoodWe batteries?
Choosing GoodWe batteries to back up your home or business offers a range of benefits that ensure reliability, efficiency, and peace of mind. GoodWe’s batteries, such as the Lynx Home and Lynx Commercial series, feature cutting-edge Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology. This is known for its exceptional safety, thermal stability, and long lifespan. Their modular design allows for scalable capacity, making them suitable for various energy needs, from residential use to large commercial applications. With user-friendly plug-and-play installation and remote monitoring capabilities via the GoodWe PV App, you get robust warranties, convenience, and durability. Additionally, the high efficiency in storing and utilising solar energy ensures optimal self-consumption and reliable backup power during grid outages. This makes GoodWe batteries a practical and dependable choice for any energy storage solution.
How to participate in the Forever Reef Project
The primary drivers of the Great Barrier Reef’s decline are climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution. Rising sea temperatures have led to widespread coral bleaching events. During these events, corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and often die. Additionally, ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, makes it harder for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons. Pollution from agricultural runoff and coastal development further exacerbate the problem. This promotes the growth of harmful algae and crown-of-thorns starfish, which prey on corals.
Donating to the Forever Reef Project will help to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Reef. Adopt a coral today.
If you missed this episode of Energy Matters, catch up via encore screenings on Sunday at 8am, Tuesday at 6:30am, and Thursday at 10:30am. Coming soon to 9Now. Read more about the GoodWe and Forever Reef Project segment.
