How a decade-long partnership is delivering savings, sustainability, and real-world learning across Queensland schools
In an era marked by rising energy costs and an urgent need for climate action, Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) made a bold decision nearly a decade ago to invest in sustainability, not just through curriculum, but through infrastructure. Partnering with GEM Energy, they launched a transformative solar and battery storage rollout that now powers almost 40 of their nearly 50 sites, including kindergartens, primary schools, and all secondary colleges.
At the heart of this long-term initiative was a shared vision, to spend wisely today to secure a cleaner, more affordable tomorrow for the next generation. Back in the early stages, the solar sector was still emerging, unproven, uncertain, and often mistrusted. Yet GEM Energy’s proposal stood out. It demonstrated technical excellence, financial viability with a 7–8 year payback period, and a commitment to new technologies that could evolve alongside the schools’ needs.
Brendan McCosker, Building and Maintenance Services Coordinator for Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton, recalls the confidence GEM instilled from day one.
“GEM’s approach was different from the outset. They came to us with clarity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of what was required. What impressed us most was that they delivered exactly what they promised, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality, and long-term performance. They proved themselves within the first project.”
The installation process was described as smooth and well-managed. Since 2017, CEDR has worked closely with GEM’s project managers, maintaining open lines of communication throughout. GEM’s willingness to collaborate with existing local subcontractors, many of whom were already familiar with the schools’ electrical systems, helped streamline the rollout and maintain continuity. Brendan McCosker emphasises that the relationship is not transactional. “GEM is more than an installer, they’re an energy partner,” he says. “They worked around our school hours, respected our values and environments, and they delivered.
This partnership is also grounded in purpose. The solar rollout was conceived not only as an energy saving measure, but as a values driven initiative inspired by Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical urging care for our common home. Guided by this moral imperative, the CEDR aimed to keep most facilities below the 100,000 kilowatt-hour annual consumption threshold, maximising efficiency while minimising environmental impact. As a result, many schools now operate at over 80% energy self-sufficiency.
A standout example within the Diocese is Shalom Catholic College Bunderberg, where the installation of an impressive 810kW solar system, paired with a 1,160kWh Tesla Powerpack battery, has dramatically transformed the school’s energy profile. The system captures surplus solar energy throughout the day and stores it for use at night or during cloudy periods, allowing the college to power its operations around the clock with minimal reliance on the grid.
This forward thinking initiative has significantly strengthened the school’s energy resilience while delivering outstanding environmental and financial outcomes. In September 2021, Shalom Catholic College, with nearly 1,600 students on campus each day, plus staff and fully operational facilities, recorded a total electricity bill of just $60 for the entire month.
Principal Dan McMahon said the project’s award nomination reflects the college’s commitment to long-term sustainability. “With close to 1,600 students on campus each day, plus our staff, it is fantastic to operate in a way that does not have a major impact on the environment.” Since the system’s installation, the school has also achieved substantial emissions reductions, with CO₂ output dropping to just 0.6 tonnes. “This system helps us to create a sustainable future for our students and the college,” McMahon added.
Shalom Catholic College exemplifies the success of CEDR broader sustainability vision. Nearly 100% of installed systems across the Diocese have exceeded performance expectations, delivering millions in cumulative savings and setting a national benchmark for energy-conscious education. Notably, Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton was the first in Australia to install a Tesla Powerpack through GEM Energy, a milestone that also marked a turning point for GEM CEO Jack Hooper as a leader in the commercial solar space. Read more about Jack’s journey here.
Beyond the financial and environmental gains, the systems have also become powerful educational tools. Students now engage with real-time energy data, learning how solar energy is produced, stored, and consumed, turning each campus into a living sustainability lab.
The CEDR has continued to lead the way in adopting cutting-edge energy solutions. In partnership with GEM Energy, they were among the first in Australia to operate a fully functional Virtual Power Plant (VPP). Tesla batteries installed across multiple school sites have been virtually aggregated, enabling participation in both the wholesale electricity market and the Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) market. These batteries dynamically respond to both local demand and grid requirements absorbing or dispatching energy to help stabilise the network and improve reliability system-wide.
Looking ahead, the collaboration is far from over. As the school network continues to grow, GEM Energy remains a trusted partner, not just for installations, but for ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and energy advisory. The final major college system is set to be completed by mid-2026.
In a world where quick fixes are common, this long-term relationship stands as a rare example of what’s possible when shared vision, trust, and innovation come together. What began as a leap of faith has grown into one of Australia’s most successful solar rollouts in the education sector, lighting the way for others to follow.