Australia’s Largest Off-Grid Chicken Farm Powered by Solar and Batteries
In regional New South Wales, Australia, the country’s largest off-grid chicken farm has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture. This innovative project, undertaken by Agright, a prominent poultry business in Australia and New Zealand, was born out of the necessity to power the remote Meriki farm without access to the main grid connector.
Located west of Griffith, the Meriki farm posed challenges due to its distance from the main grid connector and the existing network’s limitations. Recognising the impracticality of connecting to the grid, Agright’s owner, Daniel Bryant, opted to invest in a bespoke, stand-alone energy system. This system, designed and constructed by Smart Commercial Solar, comprises a 3.98 MW ground-mounted solar array, 4.4 MWh of battery storage, and various other components to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the farm’s operations.
Setting a New Benchmark for Off-Grid Farms
Despite not receiving Arena funding for the project, Agright’s commitment to sustainability and financial viability drove the successful implementation of the off-grid system. The comprehensive energy infrastructure not only meets the farm’s power requirements but also aligns with the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.
Smart Commercial Solar’s CEO, Huon Hoogesteger, highlighted the system’s efficiency, noting that since its activation in March, the farm has operated solely on solar and battery power, eliminating the need for backup diesel generators. The integration of renewable energy sources has not only reduced operational costs but also enhanced the farm’s resilience and sustainability.
Paving the Way for Future Expansion
Besides catering to the current farm’s energy needs, the off-grid system has been designed with future scalability in mind. Agright’s plans to establish another farm nearby underscore the system’s potential to support additional operations and contribute excess power to the grid. By leveraging a business-to-business sales agreement, Agright aims to optimise the solar and battery resources across multiple sites, thereby maximising efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Hoogesteger emphasised the importance of government support for innovative projects like this, which not only benefit large agricultural businesses but also promote clean energy adoption. Despite facing challenges in securing funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the project stands as a testament to the feasibility and impact of off-grid microgrid solutions in the agricultural sector.
As the agricultural industry embraces sustainable practices, initiatives like the off-grid chicken farm in New South Wales exemplify the potential for renewable energy to revolutionise traditional farming methods and pave the way for a greener future.
