Communities across Gilmore could benefit from more secure, affordable and reliable energy with funding available to support feasibility studies into microgrids.
Round Two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund opens on 16 December, with successful projects set to share up to $25 million in grants.
The program will help fund feasibility studies that will look at whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies, would better meet the electricity supply needs of regional and remote communities.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said feasibility studies are the first step to unlocking investment in microgrids, and their benefits for individual communities and the grid as a whole.
“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 said the projects will look at whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies would better meet the electricity supply needs of local communities.
“As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, 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,” Senator Molan said.
“Microgrids can help reduce electricity bills for regional and remote communities and 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.
Applications for Round Two close on 27 January 2021.
Visit business.gov.au/microgrids for details on how to apply and for further information.