Communities in Gilmore are set to benefit from more secure, affordable and reliable energy with funding to support feasibility studies into microgrids.
Feasibility studies are the first step to unlocking investment in microgrids, and their benefits for individual communities and the grid as a whole.
Innovating Energy Pty Ltd has been awarded $3,000,000 for the PowerSmart Farm Electricity Generation using Agricultural Renewable Energy project in Pyree.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the grants are an essential step towards unlocking investment in microgrids and strengthening energy reliability and affordability in the regions.
“Microgrid technology is becoming increasingly cost effective, creating the opportunity for a reliable, low cost, off-grid supply to our regional communities and industries.”
“This funding will enable many communities to realise the potential to harness innovative technologies or distributed energy resources, like solar and batteries, or reduce their reliance on costly diesel generation”
Senator for New South Wales, Jim Molan AO, DSC said the project would look at whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies would better meet the electricity supply needs of local communities.
“We need to be looking at options that will help lower cost of living pressures on families and businesses in not only the cities but in the regions as well as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Molan said.
“Microgrids can help reduce electricity bills for regional and remote communities but can also deliver benefits for the grid as a whole by saving hundreds of millions of dollars in network costs.”
This is an important part of our commitment to creating jobs and driving economic growth in our regions.
ENDS
Minister Taylor’s office: Liam O’Neil, 0418 113 617 Senator Molan: