PROJECT CASE STUDY

Melbourne Water and PowerStack – Sustainable, off-grid path lighting transforming mixed use recreational parkland

PowerStack solar poles were implemented to provide sustainable, off-grid lighting for the Greening the Pipeline project in Melbourne, Australia, transforming the heritage-listed Main Outfall Sewer reserve into a vibrant linear parkland

100% off-grid, solar-powered lighting

Rapid and efficient deployment with minimal disruption

Reduced labour
costs

Sleek, low-profile design that complements
the park

Anthony Strangis, Associate, Buckford Illumination Group

“This project is a fantastic example of where previously disused industrial space can become a vibrant, green multi-use development that really benefits the community. We’re proud to be part of the project and thought PowerStack, as a sustainable power source, was the ideal way to deploy pathway illumination.”

Greening the Pipeline – Watch the project video

Background

The Greening the Pipeline initiative aims to convert a 27km stretch of the decommissioned Main Outfall Sewer into a linear park connecting communities in Melbourne’s west. The project, inspired by New York’s High Line, seeks to create a green corridor for recreational use, improving community health and wellbeing. A key challenge was avoiding reliance on the traditional electrical grid for the lighting solution, as this would have been costly and disruptive to install, and the project team wanted a sustainable design where possible. 

Solution implemented

PowerStack’s M50 (5m) solar poles were chosen to illuminate the pathways and recreational areas. These poles feature vertical solar panels integrated directly into the structure, providing a sleek profile suitable for urban and rural environments. The PowerStack system offers a grid-independent power solution that integrates seamlessly with the specified lighting fixtures and sensors. This flexibility allowed the project team to optimise lighting functionality for efficient and sustainable power use.

Outcome delivered

The implementation of PowerStack poles has successfully provided sustainable path lighting for the Greening the Pipeline project. The installation process was significantly faster and less disruptive compared to traditional grid-connected solutions:

  • 55 poles were deployed and installed over a 4-week period
  • Installation time was estimated to be up to four times faster than grid-connected alternatives
  • The project avoided the need for trenching, cabling, and heavy machinery access

About PowerStack

PowerStack provides solar energy generation poles used to power lighting, security, cell towers and remote connectivity applications. For more information, visit https://powerstack.energy/.

Source: PowerStack May 2025

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