Communities across Hume could benefit from more secure, affordable and reliable energy with funding available to support feasibility studies into microgrids.

Round Two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund opens today, with successful projects set to share in up to $25 million in grants.

The program will help fund feasibility studies that will look at whether establishing a microgrid or upgrading existing off-grid technologies, would better meet the electricity supply needs of regional and remote communities.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said feasibility studies are the first step to unlocking investment in microgrids, and their benefits for individual communities and the grid as a whole. 

“Microgrid technology is becoming increasingly cost-effective, creating the opportunity for a reliable, low cost, off-grid supply to our regional communities and industries.”

“This funding will enable many communities to realise the potential to harness innovative technologies or distributed energy resources, like solar and batteries, or reduce their reliance on costly diesel generation.”

Minister Taylor said the projects would look at whether establishing a microgrid or upgrading existing off-grid technologies would better meet the electricity supply needs of local communities.

“We need to be looking at options that will help lower cost of living pressures on families and businesses in not only the cities but in the regions as well, as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

“Microgrids can help reduce electricity bills for regional and remote communities and deliver benefits for the grid as a whole by saving hundreds of millions of dollars in network costs.” 

This is an important part of our commitment to creating jobs and driving economic growth in our regions.

Applications for Round Two close on 27 January 2021.

Visit business.gov.au/microgrids for details on how to apply and for further information.