The Federal Government is committing $25.6 million to 20 microgrid feasibility studies as part of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.
The projects will be located in every state and will investigate whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies, would better meet communities needs.
Microgrids reduce regional communities’ reliance on diesel generation, bringing down the price of electricity bills for households and businesses and cutting emissions.
Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said regional and remote communities face unique energy challenges.
“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 fund, the Federal Government is providing around $45 million for feasibility studies and a further $50 million for grants.
These will be administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, to support microgrid pilot studies in regional communities.
