Region hosts wind-powered internet trial

A WIND power project piloted at Geelong could be rolled out across the country to help communities and first responders stay connected to broadband networks during emergencies.

Australia’s broadband network provider NBN Co is testing its new concept at Lovely Banks, which uses three micro wind turbines to test whether the systems can effectively extend battery life of temporary can effectively extend battery life of temporary network infrastructure.

The company is investigating sustainable methods to enable its fixed wireless sites to operate for long periods without connection to mains power grids – such as during natural disasters.

NBN Co said finding alternate energy sources would strengthen the resiliency of its network and help the business achieve its sustainability outcomes.

NBN Co chief engineering officer John Parkin said the company was encouraged by the early success of its project.

“From a sustainability perspective, we are investigating and validating new renewable energy solutions to power our network – which reduces our dependence on the grid and drives down emissions and operational costs,” he said.

“From a resilient network perspective, we have determined it is possible to use wind generation to extend the battery life of temporary assets or a site during an emergency event – supporting communities and emergency services with connectivity when they need it most.

“And from an innovation perspective, we can see how critical Australian innovation is to solving shared sustainability challenges. This wind power solution has been a long time in the making and it’s exciting to be able to evaluate it in real time on our network.”

The trial uses Australian technology developed by Diffuse Energy in partnership with Decon Technologies.