- Published:
- Wednesday 17 October 2018
The Andrews Labor Government will fund the development of a new microgrid project in Yackandandah, as part of a statewide investment in the technology.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today announced $380,389 in grant funding for the Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) Sanatorium Road Microgrid project.
The $932,879 initiative will establish a microgrid on Sanatorium Road in Yackandandah to help cut energy bills for local residents and help the community achieve their 100 per cent renewable energy target.
The project will increase the number of houses with solar PV and batteries on a Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) powerline and include control technology to manage network security.
It has the potential to be used as a model for other communities to increase local renewable energy generation and alternative models for SWER line upgrades.
A microgrid is a small network of electricity users with a local supply of power that can function independently of the electricity grid, delivering energy security, sustainability and cost savings for those in the network.
The Microgrid Demonstration Initiative grant program has provided $10 million to support eight state-wide microgrid projects totaling over $37 million in project value.
A re-elected Labor Government will put either solar panels, solar hot water or solar batteries on 720,000 Victorian homes, driving down emissions and energy prices across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re ensuring Victoria’s energy system is as affordable, resilient and secure as possible, as we transition to the next generation of energy technologies.”
“This microgrid project will boost the development of cleaner, cheaper renewable energy in Yackandandah.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“Microgrid projects are part of our plan to drive down energy prices, reduce emissions and create a pipeline of investment in renewable energy. North East Victorian communities should be congratulated for driving these projects.”
“This is the third initiative in Yackandandah and a vital one that will target an area with network constraints giving homes access to solar and batteries for energy support.”
“What we have here in Yackandandah is a community driven initiative to not only reduce our energy use but secure it through renewables.”