"Here’s how ‘microgrids’ are empowering regional and remote communities across Australia" 4 July 2024

Small collections of electricity generators, or “microgrids”...[are] being used to provide secure, 24-7 supplies of clean energy in Australian communities where connection to the main electricity grid is but a pipedream...

Solar energy is by far the most common source of generation for these microgrids, which usually also entail energy storage such as batteries...

New research by my colleagues and I investigated 20 microgrid feasibility projects across Australia. Our findings demonstrate the crucial role microgrids can play in the energy transition, when backed by all levels of government...

Remote Indigenous communities sought to reduce dependence on dirty, antiquated and unreliable diesel generators. They were also concerned about the hazards of storing large amounts of fuel in the community...

Marlinja is the first Indigenous community-owned microgrid in Australia....

The community-focused Indigenous energy organisation Original Power developed an innovative community benefit sharing scheme, with support from NT government-owned retailer Jacana Energy...

By generating a model of investment and ownership for Marlinja, Original Energy and other fellow collaborators have opened the door for other regional and remote communities...

They can embrace electricity generation that supports local economic development and investment, through community ownership and empowerment.