Ausgrid has launched the Merriwa Microgrid – a first-of-its-kind solution for the electricity distributor in the heart of the Hunter region town.
The microgrid represents a major step forward in bringing cutting-edge energy resilience to regional New South Wales, ensuring key local services can continue operating during outages and extreme weather events.
Ausgrid Chief Executive Officer, Marc England, said the small network has been constructed to ensure local, reliable energy solely for the Merriwa community.
“This microgrid is indicative of what the future of energy looks like. It’s innovation in action,” Mr England said.
“If a power outage were to occur, Merriwa’s most vital services will still operate and that means a safe place for the community to gather and support each other.”
The trial is configured to deliver backup power to 27 identified connections in the town centre, including the pharmacy, service station, RSL Club and Country Women’s Association rooms.
Located at Ausgrid’s depot on Bettington Street, the infrastructure includes solar panels to generate power, a battery energy storage system to store and deliver it when the grid is unavailable, and a diesel generator to provide backup generation when required.
During an unplanned outage, the microgrid disconnects from the main power grid and provides electricity to keep the town’s important services running.
Key to the project’s success has been input from the Merriwa community. Consultation with residents and local businesses has ensured a microgrid designed not just to power the network, but to keep the heart of the town beating.
Merriwa Pharmacy Owner Robert Smith said energy security is important for businesses like his, where specialised medicines need to be kept at specific temperatures and power is required to trade.
“Having the microgrid ready when needed makes us stronger and more reliable – it’s fantastic for the community and provides added security for everyone,” Mr Smith said.
“The consultation from Ausgrid has been second-to-none, as they worked with the community and the businesses to deliver a community-focussed result. They’ve set the standard of how things should be done.”
The Merriwa Microgrid forms part of Ausgrid’s Future Grid strategy to make the network more responsive, resilient and reliable in the face of climate change and an evolving energy system. The initiative is a flagship project in Ausgrid’s Network Innovation Program.
