Seven regional energy projects will share in more than $15 million of funding to support energy affordability and innovation thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Community Energy Fund.
NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean said the funding will unlock almost 17.2MW in electricity generation and up to 17.9 MW / 39.3 MWh of energy storage, leveraging $36 million in private funding.
“These grants will help regional communities right across NSW take control of their energy bills and benefit from the economic opportunities presented by changes in our energy system,” Mr Kean said.
“The projects range from a community owned dispatchable solar and battery system at Goulburn to the installation of a 1MW solar garden at Grong Grong in the Riverina, enabling low-income households and renters to access renewable energy.
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“At Ewingsdale near Byron Bay, a grant will enable the installation of 5MW of solar power and 10MWh battery energy storage system. The DC coupled battery is a relatively new technology for Australia and enables excess solar energy to be captured more efficiently.”
In a NSW energy first, a hydrogen energy storage system will be installed at Manilla alongside a solar-battery system to store renewable energy.
“Hydrogen has the potential to transform our economy and energy mix. World leading green hydrogen initiatives like the Manilla Community Solar project will play a critical role in developing this technology,” Mr Kean said.
“These innovative renewable energy projects will help to make electricity more reliable and affordable for our regional communities.”
The RCEF is funded under the NSW Climate Change Fund to support community energy projects across NSW, improving energy reliability and affordability for regional NSW.
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