Funding to power up two Surf Coast microgrids

MICROGRIDS will be trialled at two communities in the Surf Coast Shire as part of a Monash University project funded by the federal government.

Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor announced the university had been awarded $1.934 million for the Active Energy Precincts: Building Stronger Regional Communities project, under the second round of the Regional and Remote Microgrid Reliability Fund.

Working to identify two communities from each of the Surf Coast, Yarra Ranges and Wodonga local government areas, Monash will develop a business case for microgrids by demonstrating how they can reduce emissions, improve energy reliability and reduce energy costs.

Each microgrid will aim to virtually connect one business and about 20 homes into a microgrid with local renewable generation and energy storage.

The study will capture and analyse data to help develop attractive and replicable investment opportunities.

The project is expected to be completed in 2023.