RAA is proud to be a presenting partner for the inaugural event, and we’re particularly excited about powering an exhibit thanks to RAA Solar and Battery Storage. Part of City Lights, Firefly Field by Danish design studio Studio Toer, will see 200 floating lights hover over The University of Adelaide’s Goodman Crescent Lawns.

The installation is just one of a number that will use renewable energy as part of Illuminate Adelaide, which aims to increase awareness about the benefits of sustainable energy in South Australia.

This is thanks to several local carbon-offset schemes, as well as the City of Adelaide Carbon Neutral program and local businesses.

To celebrate the opening of the event, we asked 4 RAA staff members to share what they’re excited to see, childhood memories of the magic of light, and how they contribute to the state’s energy-saving efforts.

What event are you most excited to attend?

Matthew Vertudaches (RAA Safety and Infrastructure Traffic Engineer): I’d love to take our almost 4-year-old daughter to some of the interactive experiences such as Patch Theatre @ The Studio and the City Lights installations.

Dougal McFuzzlebutt (RAA Travel Product Manager): I’m looking forward to the Light Creatures event at Adelaide Zoo.

Amy Sage (RAA Solar and Battery Storage Marketing Manager): Van Gogh Alive – he’s one of my favourite artists so I can’t wait to see his artworks come to life at the event!

I’m also really looking forward to seeing the Firefly Field exhibition that’s part of the free City Lights event along North Terrace. RAA Solar and Battery is powering the exhibit so I’m excited to see the power of renewable energy at work.

RAA is also sponsoring a talk as part of Illuminate Adelaide’s Festival of Ideas program. Powering the future will be a discussion about the importance of renewable and sustainable power sources held on 17 July. This should be a fascinating discussion, and one that’s so important for our future and the planet.

Dennis Taarnby (RAA New Ventures, Product and Pricing Manager): Obviously the Firefly Field. RAA Solar and Battery Storage will be powering up the display with one of our solar batteries, which will be charged during the day from the sun.

Why do you think Illuminate Adelaide is an exciting addition to the city’s calendar?

Matthew: There’s something for everyone, and it really showcases the amazing city we live in!

Dougal: Adelaide is truly the festival state, so any addition to our yearly event calendar that engages our population and supports inbound tourism growth is always a winner in my eyes.

The fact that the event also has a sustainability focus shows that we are ahead of the curve as a state, particularly when it comes to the future direction of power distribution and its effect on climate and landscape.

Amy: This is the first time we’ve really had a series of outdoor events during winter so it’s exciting to get out of hibernation to see some amazing installations. I’m sure it will be a great boost to city businesses during this usually quiet period, too.

Dennis: Because it brings something to the city in July that the whole family can attend, and some displays are free.

What’s one of your favourite memories surrounding lights in the dark?

Matthew: Family camping trips near Swan Reach when we were kids – the night sky is truly spectacular when you’re away from the city lights.

Dougal: I have very fond memories of going to the West End Brewery Christmas lights on Port Rd as a child. It was something we always looked forward to as a family, to see what new instalments were there, and of course the obligatory treat that came with the visit.

Amy: This is really showing my age, but when I was a child we used to have slideshow nights. Mum and dad would turn off all the lights in the house and set up a slide projector of old photos on the lounge room wall. I’m not sure where all those slides are now!

Dennis: Walking along the ‘Marché de Noël’ (Christmas markets) on the Champs-Élysées when we lived in Paris – it gets dark so early in Europe during winter, so walking through the markets in the early evening and seeing the light displays in the trees, on Christmas decorations and on the stalls with the kids was amazing. The food was to die for, too, let alone the ‘vin chaud’ (mulled wine).

How do you play your part in looking after the planet and saving energy?

Matthew: I do my bit by walking to the local shops instead of driving the short distance, replacing light bulbs with energy efficient options, and being extra conscious about how much we need to use heating or cooling around the house.

Dougal: At night, I only use a lamp while watching TV and keep the rest of the house in the dark. When I travel, I turn off all power points at home while I’m away to ensure no power is being used.

Amy: I have energy-saving LED light bulbs throughout the house and make sure to turn off appliances when they’re not in use. I’m also a big believer in clothesline drying instead of using a dryer.

Dennis: At home, we have double-glazed windows, LED lighting, and wall and roof insulation. We’ve also installed solar with battery storage, which altogether reduces the need to use energy from the grid, thus reducing our carbon footprint.