$3 million solar and battery microgrid study to support remote NSW communities

White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Milparinka and Packsaddle in the Far West region of New South Wales (NSW) are subject to a $3 million (USD 2.1 million) scoping study to investigate the feasibility of installing solar and battery microgrids.

A severe storm in October 2024 caused transmission towers to collapse and extensive power outages across the region, leading to a parliamentary enquiry, which has prompted measures to secure energy for the region.

The NSW government in partnership with gentailer Essential Energy will scope new assets required to generate and store energy locally to improve energy security in the remote communities, which are vulnerable to power outages during extreme weather events.

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Chief Assets and Digital Officer, Essential Energy, 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.”

Located 1,042 kilometres northwest of Sydney, White Cliffs is home to Australia’s first solar power station built by the Australia National University in 1981, utilising parabolic solar reflector collectors, and converted in 1996 to photovoltaic.

Tibooburra’s existing diesel-backed system could be replaced by a solar-powered microgrid to improve network reliability and security for the community located in the state’s northwest corner, 1,473 kilometres from Sydney.

Battery storage options are being investigated to support Milparinka and Packsaddle communities during outages, located 40 km and 158 km respectively, south of Tibooburra.

As part of the project, Essential Energy will work with the local First Nations communities to identify, develop and deliver meaningful economic opportunities to deliver lasting benefits across the region.