Sutherland Shire Council is examining the idea of becoming an electricity generator by establishing a solar farm at Lucas Heights.
Under the plan, the council would not directly consume the energy, but would sell it to the grid, with proceeds offsetting its rising electricity costs.
A former council night soil site on Crown land next to the ANSTO facility is the preferred site.
The council agreed at last week’s meeting to ask the state government and Ausgrid whether the Crown land would be available and whether the local electricity network could support connection of a solar farm.
ANSTO will also be asked if it is interested in a joint venture.
A report on the risks will be considered before any decision to fund an economic feasibility study.
A business plan will be prepared over the next three months.
A working party was set up last year following a motion by Cr Steve Simpson that the council look at becoming an energy generator to limit its exposure to future energy price increases.
A staff report said the council needed to have clarity of purpose.
Reasons could include supplying some of its own energy needs, generating revenue, reducing its carbon footprint, or a combination.
The report said it was not feasible for the council to consume the produced electricity, and investment in property or shares might bring higher returns.
