The Morrison Government is continuing to support the supply of secure, reliable and affordable power for regional and remote communities to drive economic growth with the Surf Coast set to be part of a new program of investigation for energy microgrids.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said through the next round Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund, the Government is committing $25.6 million to back 20 microgrid feasibility studies.
“I am delighted that a new study by Monash University will seek to locate two communities on the Surf Coast for potential location of new energy microgrids,” Senator Henderson said.
“The studies will investigate whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies, would better meet the energy needs of Surf Coast families and businesses.
“Each microgrid will aim to virtually connect flexible commercial and residential loads including local renewable generation and energy storage.
“Expected to start in coming weeks, the project will help develop an investment opportunity and improve community resilience and energy affordability.”
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said regional and remote communities face unique energy challenges and the Government is committed to ensuring they are not disadvantaged by unreliable and expensive energy.
“The Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund is all about shoring up the supply of secure, reliable and affordable energy for regional Australians and empowering communities to make the choices to best suit their energy needs,” Minister Taylor said.
Through the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund, the Government is providing around $45 million for feasibility studies in over 110 communities across Australia.
The Victorian project will assess the feasibility for microgrids for six communities across the Surf Coast, Yarra Ranges and Wodonga local government areas in regional Victoria, drawing off Monash University’s and Birdwood’s microgrid, smart energy, storage and commercial expertise.
The Government has also allocated a further $50 million for grants, to be administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, to support microgrid pilot studies in regional communities.
A full list of successful projects under Round Two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund will be published at: https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-and-remote-communities-reliability-fund-microgrids
27 July 2021