Resilient Microgrid for Bushfire-Threatened Town
Commencing in Corryong, Victoria, work has initiated on a solar and battery-based microgrid aimed at bolstering the provision of reliable, resilient, and renewable power to a town severely impacted by the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires.
The $28.6 million Corryong microgrid project, led by electricity network company AusNet and its retail arm, Mondo, is underway in the town located on the New South Wales border, east of Albury Wodonga.
Enhancing Energy Security
The Victorian and federal governments, key funders of the initiative, have confirmed the commencement of construction on the microgrid. Once operational, it will have the capacity to sustain over 900 local households and businesses for up to five days.
Minister for emergency management, Murray Watt, highlighted the significance of the microgrid in enhancing community safety and connectivity, especially considering the region’s history of prolonged disconnection from the grid during bushfire events.
The Corryong Microgrid will feature a centralised 4.99MW battery, a 3MW diesel generator, and cutting-edge control technology to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the town during grid outages.
Community-Led Initiatives
At the community level, efforts to promote energy efficiency and resilience have been community-driven, with the installation of subsidised rooftop solar, battery storage, and backup generators for homes and public infrastructure.
Upper Murray Inc., in collaboration with Indigo Power and local contractor KDEC, has spearheaded the deployment of these systems to enhance the town’s electricity reliability and safeguard residents during emergencies.
Deputy chair of Upper Murray Inc., Ian Cesa, expressed the project’s aim to expand household solar and battery systems in Corryong, paving the way for a broader vision of a microgrid encompassing the entire township and Upper Murray region.
Government Support and Funding
The state government’s Community Microgrids and Sustainable Energy Program, in partnership with RACV Solar, has facilitated the installation of residential rooftop solar and battery systems, further reinforcing the town’s energy resilience.
Funding for the microgrid project has been sourced from the Albanese government’s Disaster Ready Fund and the Allan Labor government, with additional investment from AusNet. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio emphasised the importance of advanced microgrids in providing critical support during emergencies, acknowledging the pressing need for enhanced resilience in the face of changing climate patterns.
Overall, the development of the Corryong microgrid signifies a significant step towards ensuring energy security, fostering sustainability, and fortifying community resilience in the region.
