Birchip Cropping Group will receive $210,000 for the development of a new microgrid demonstration project which will include solar PV and battery storage.
The project will be led by SwitchDin, providing a working demonstration of microgrid technology to lower energy costs and improve energy reliability for the region’s farmers.
SwitchDin will work with project partners Birchip Cropping Group and Walnut Energy Systems to deliver the $319,000 project which has the potential to be used as a model for other farms and businesses across Victoria.
The Microgrid Demonstration Initiative program is providing $10 million towards eight microgrid projects worth more than $37 million across Victoria.
“This project will help demonstrate the benefits of microgrids for farmers and rural businesses,” State Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said.
“These projects are part of our plan to drive down energy prices, reduce emissions and create a pipeline of investment in renewable energy.”