The Federal Government is committing $25.6 million to fund 20 microgrid feasibility studies, under round two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.
The studies will investigate whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies would better meet the energy needs of regional and remote communities.
The microgrid projects are located in every state, from very remote Indigenous communities to rural farming communities across Australia.
Microgrids reduce regional communities’ reliance on diesel generation, which can bring down the price of electricity bills for households and businesses ─ whilst cutting emissions.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said regional and remote communities face unique energy challenges and the Federal 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,” Mr Taylor said.
“Every Australian ─ no matter where they live ─ should be confident that they will have the power they need, when they need it and at an affordable price.
“Delivering reliable and affordable energy to regional and remote communities will provide them with greater economic security and help them grow and prosper.”
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 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.
