Bringing microgrids to Far West NSW

The NSW Government is partnering with Essential Energy to test the use of solar- and battery-powered microgrids in the state’s Far West region.

Backed by $3 million in state government funding, the project will explore how microgrids can improve energy security for four remote communities that are vulnerable to power outages during extreme weather events. The communities are White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Milparinka and Packsaddle.

In White Cliffs, a town with a proud solar legacy, the program will assess the potential for a new solar-powered microgrid.

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, businesses and community facilities.

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

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. This will involve an initial scoping study to help identify the most practical options for each community. The findings of Essential Energy’s study will then be provided to the NSW Government before a decision is made to progress to the next phase in the project.

“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,” said Luke Jenner, Chief Assets and Digital Officer at Essential Energy.

“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.”

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

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Energy Infrastructure, Liam Ryan said that in helping to respond to the Far West electricity supply disruption in October 2024, he saw first-hand how important a reliable electricity supply is to regional and remote communities.

“These microgrid projects could improve energy security, reduce reliance on diesel and help communities stay connected when they need it most,” Ryan said.

“Partnering with Essential Energy is one of several initiatives underway to improve electricity services in Far West NSW.”

Image caption: Aerial views of the Silver City Highway near Milparinka in Far West NSW. Image credit: iStock.com/Chris Manning