The Morrison Government is backing the construction of a renewable energy microgrid in the Daintree community to shore up the supply of reliable and affordable energy for locals, reduce emissions, and create jobs.
The government, as part of this year’s federal budget, will provide up to $19.3 million to support the deployment of a microgrid to help keep the lights on for less in the remote community.
This builds on $990,000 in funding awarded for a feasibility study for this important project.
The microgrid will replace high-cost diesel generation the community currently relies on.
The project will also deliver an economic boost to the region, creating jobs during the construction phase and increasing the spending ability of households and businesses by reducing their power bills.
Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the Morrison Government is focused on delivering reliable and affordable power for all Australians.
“Every Australian – no matter where they live – should be confident that they will have the power they need, when they need it and at an affordable price,” Mr Taylor said.
“This funding will provide a reliable and affordable energy solution to the remote Daintree community, supporting economic development, and creating local jobs.
“Remote Australian communities face unique energy challenges and the government is committed to ensuring our regional communities are not disadvantaged by unreliable and expensive energy.”
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said this is a very positive announcement towards delivering more affordable and reliable power for the Daintree community.
“The Morrison Government’s $19.3m investment will support stage one construction of the Daintree microgrid project.
“This project is the first of its kind, not only in Australia, but in the world – a fully renewable baseload-power microgrid.
“It will remove the need to burn diesel in the Daintree, allowing residents to have access to a cleaner, more affordable, more reliable source of energy.
“This project is a game-changer for the Daintree community and delivers on my firm commitment to residents to deliver a solution to their power needs.”
The project will demonstrate innovative microgrid technologies, including hydrogen, helping to accelerate the uptake of microgrids in other regional and remote areas.
The Morrison Government’s support for the Daintree microgrid builds on the successful $50.4 million Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.
