Federal Government announces $19mil in funding for microgrid studies, NT to get $5mil

FIVE companies will share in nearly $5 million in Federal Government funding to investigate the possible construction of microgrids across regional and remote communities in the NT

FIVE companies will share in nearly $5 million in Federal Government funding to investigate the possible construction of microgrids across regional and remote communities in the NT.

The Federal Government will today announce it is backing 17 microgrid projects with more than $19 million in funding. The idea of a microgrid is to provide secure, affordable energy, particularly in remote and regional areas, in a bid to reduce power costs.

The studies will look at whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading off-grid technologies, would better meet the electricity needs of remote communities.

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Minister for Energy Angus Taylor ... ‘the grants are an ‘important step’ towards unlocking investment in microgrids and improving the technology’. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas

Energy Minister Angus Taylor said the grants were an “important step” towards unlocking investment in microgrids and improving the technology.

The proponents that have been granted funding include; Power and Water Corporation to assess feasibility of a microgrid in 20 remote communities ($1.2 million), Desert Knowledge Australia to assess barriers to improving grid stability and the integration of additional renewables to the Alice Springs grid ($3.2 million), and Atyenhenge-Atherre Aboriginal Corporation to figure out which tech is best for their Santa Teresa Microgrid Project ($303, 371)

The other two proponents are Island Power Co Pty Ltd to see if transitioning the community of Cocos Keeling and Christmas Islands to a microgrid is feasible ($315,504), and Impact Investment Partners Pty Ltd whose microgrid project would cross the border into WA ($519,954)

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FULL LIST OF NT PROJECTS:

NT Microgrid Futures Project

Proponent: Power And Water Corporation

Areas: Ali Curung, Angurugu, Sandover, Wagait Beach, Dundee Beach, Galiwinku

Gapuwiyak, Gunbalanya

Hermannsburg

Imanpa, Lajamanu, Maningrida, Snake Bay, Milingimbi, Wurrumiyanga, Ngukurr, Numbulwar, Umbakumba, Yirrkala, Yuendumu

Amount: $1,210,000

This project will assess the feasibility of transitioning these remote communities from either off-grid diesel generation or a fringe-of-grid connection to more reliable microgrid technologies that support higher levels of renewables. If implemented, a microgrid could deliver a range of benefits including improved reliability and fuel security, particularly during flood and storm events which could cut of local diesel supply, support higher levels of solar deployment, and provide local employment opportunities.

Alice Springs Modelling

Proponent: Desert Knowledge Australia

Area: Alice Springs

Amount: $3,197,507

This project will assess barriers to improving grid stability and the integration of additional renewables to the grid. The study will also help shape and inform future planning of other small-medium sized microgrids in the NT.

Santa Teresa Microgrid Project

Proponent: Atyenhenge-Atherre Aboriginal Corporation

Area: Santa Teresa

Amount: $303, 371

This project will assess the viability of a number of technological options for deployment of a microgrid to improve the reliability and security of energy supply to this remote community and local businesses.

Indian Ocean Territories Renewable Energy Microgrid Feasibility Study

Proponent: Island Power Co Pty Ltd

Area: Cocos Keeling Islands, Christmas Island

Amount: $315,504

This project will assess transitioning these communities from off-grid diesel generation to reliable and affordable energy supply through microgrids using renewable technologies and other new energy technologies.

Mutitjulu & Martu Community Microgrid Project: Feasibility Study

Proponent: Impact Investment Partners Pty Ltd

Area: Mutitjulu Community, Uluru; WA, Punmu Community, Parnngurr Community, Kunawarritji Community

Amount: $519, 954

This project will assess the viability of moving from off-grid diesel generation to a reliable microgrid including solar and battery technologies. This could help attract investment and be used to assist other similar communities transition to microgrids. If implemented, a microgrid could deliver a more reliable and lower cost electricity supply, and important social outcomes including local capability around microgrid management.