The NSW Government is investing $3 million to explore new solar and battery-powered microgrid projects across four of New South Wales’ most remote Far West communities.
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 proud solar legacy.
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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 a decision is made to progress to the next phase in the project.
Essential Energy 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, Essential Energy will work with the local First Nations communities to identify, develop and deliver meaningful economic opportunities which deliver lasting benefits across the region.
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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Essential Energy chief assets and digital officer Luke Jenner said, “Essential Energy understands the challenges of supplying reliable power to some of the most remote communities in NSW, where long distances, extreme weather and fuel supply lines can all affect energy security.
“This pre-feasibility work is an important first step in assessing whether local solar generation and battery storage can provide a more resilient, practical, and sustainable solution for communities including White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Milparinka and Packsaddle.”
