Energy Minister Bill Johnston today launched the $15 million Kalbarri microgrid - the largest of its kind in Australia.
- $15m renewable microgrid commissioned in Kalbarri
- Energy solution to provide power certainty for local residents and businesses
- Blueprint for the delivery of innovative energy solutions throughout WA
Using entirely renewable wind and solar energy the micro-grid will provide greater power reliability for local tourism and retail operations, and for the broader community.
Microgrids are increasingly being used as a more resilient method to deliver electricity to rural communities as the design is less likely to be interrupted by environmental factors.
Western Power developed the Kalbarri microgrid in partnership with Synergy, the Shire of Northampton and the local community.
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston
"Improving how energy is delivered in regional areas and delivering better power reliability for Western Australians is an important part of the McGowan Government's Distributed Energy Resources Roadmap.
"The Kalbarri microgrid is an important step towards improving power reliability for the local community.
"It also paves the way in delivering greater renewable energy solutions across WA, particularly in regional areas, as we move forward in achieving net zero emissions by 2050."
Comments attributed to Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Peter Foster
"Kalbarri is a tourism drawcard with more than 100,000 visitors flocking to the beachside town each year.
"The new microgrid is one of Australia's most sophisticated, and will be used as a blueprint for other regional areas to support the provision of stable, secure and clean energy into the future."
If you’d like to find out more about the Kalbarri microgrid, including a tour inside the microgrid, community stories and a full overview of the project visit the Kalbarri microgrid project page