The Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project is currently undergoing testing as it nears completion. Once fully operational the project is set to provide a 1.1MW solar array, together with a 1.75MVA battery energy storage system.
The battery system will provide 3MWh hours of storage capacity.
Once testing of the battery system is complete at Berrimah, it will be transported to Wurrumiyanga where another round of testing will take place to ensure successful integration with the grid.
The project is estimated to reduce diesel fuel consumption by 519,000L in the first year of operation by introducing additional renewable energy technology, with works expected to be completed by May 2024.
The $6.1 million Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project is part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment of $10.4 million to date for the Renewable Remote Power Program.
This project is set to contribute to the State Government reaching its target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, which includes an average of 70 per cent renewables in all communities supplied by the Indigenous Essential Services program.
Northern Territory Minister for Renewables and Energy, Kate Worden, said that the Northern Territory is in the process of transitioning to a future where renewable energy will play a greater role in its energy consumption.
“The Wurrumiyanga Solar Infill and Energy Storage Pilot Project will give the community cleaner power and reduce the need to rely on diesel generators,” Ms Worden said.
“We are working towards our target of net zero emissions by 2050 and projects like this will play a significant role in achieving this.”
Member for Arafura, Manuel Brown, said that it is great to see the largest community on Bathurst Island driving down emissions.
“Testing underway means my community will get more renewable energy soon,” Mr Brown said.
“A renewables future is now one step closer for the Wurrumiyanga community and we look forward to extending the lessons learnt from this project to other remote Territory communities.”
