Microgrid grants to strengthen regional energy supplies
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has launched the Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP). Funding of $50 million in grants is available to support viable projects.
The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, said microgrids are key to the resilience of electricity supplies in areas prone to disasters such as bushfires, cyclones or floods.
‘Microgrids are a great way to help remote communities switch to renewable energy sources while also cutting energy bills and helping reduce emissions,’ the Minister said. ‘They can support communities which currently rely on diesel-generators for power and backup.’
‘These grants will support the deployment of viable microgrid projects and help to overcome technical, regulatory and commercial barriers.’
Grants will be awarded from $250,000 to more than $5 million. Most successful projects are expected to receive between $1 million and $5 million.
The program builds on the government’s $50.4 million Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund. This has funded 38 feasibility studies to help communities determine the microgrid solutions that will best suit their needs.
ARENA has previously supported microgrid projects in the Northern Territory, and on Lord Howe Island, Flinders Island, Garden Island and Rottnest Island.
ARENA has also helped fund Horizon Power’s Denham Hydrogen Demonstration Plant. This is the first microgrid system in Australia to integrate hydrogen generation.
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See how to apply for a grant on the ARENA website.
