$3m investment in microgrids for Far West communities

The NSW Government is investing $3 million to explore new solar and battery-powered microgrid projects across four of NSW’s most remote Far West communities, delivering reliable power where it is needed most.

Working in partnership with Essential Energy, the project will scope new assets required to generate and store energy locally to improve energy security in remote communities that are vulnerable to power outages during extreme weather events.

The program is investigating a new solar-powered microgrid for White Cliffs that could continue the town’s solar legacy.

In Tibooburra, the pre-feasibility work will examine how a proposed solar-powered microgrid could update the town’s existing diesel-backed system to improve network reliability and security for homes, business and community facilities.

In Milparinka and Packsaddle, the program is exploring battery storage options to support these communities during outages.

The scoping study will help to identify the most practical options for each community, with Essential Energy providing its findings to the NSW Government before making a decision to progress to the next phase in the project.

The company will assess whether the proposed systems could help keep essential services running during power outages, including communications infrastructure, emergency response facilities and fuel supplies. As part of the project, it will work with the local First Nations communities.

The program forms part of the NSW Government’s broader actions to strengthen energy reliability in the Far West of NSW, following the October 2024 electricity outages and subsequent parliamentary inquiry.

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