Energy-independent suburbs?

A new investigation by Brookfield Energy Australia could pave the way for a residential development in the NSW Hunter Valley to be built off the grid and powered by renewable energy.

The $1.1 million initial study is receiving $442,000 from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Ivor Frischknecht, ARENA CEO, said substantial connection costs and the falling cost of renewable energy made it a good time to explore the option of forgoing grid connection.

“If this latest work shows renewables, battery storage and enabling technologies can reliably and cost-effectively power new suburbs, it could set a precedent for residential developments and potentially accelerate the uptake of renewables in Australia,” Frischknecht said.

“There are a number of regulatory challenges and constraints and technical risks facing microgrids. Brookfield will share key insights about overcoming these barriers with the energy industry.”

The study’s findings could be used in the suburb of Huntlee, a residential development of 7500 homes by LWP Property Group, which will be the first new town in 50 years to be built in the Hunter Valley.

Brookfield Energy CEO Richie Sheather said the company is keen to explore sustainable alternative solutions for energy and water infrastructure, and see an emerging competitive market for large-scale local microgrids leveraging high penetration renewables.

Huntlee Project Director Stephen Thompson said Huntlee would be an entirely master-planned community designed for 21st-century living that embraces the very latest in renewables.

“For quite a number of years, we have been investigating ways to incorporate cutting-edge renewable technology into the very fabric of the town,” Thompson said.

“If the proposed model for Huntlee is successful, it will positively influence the nature of housing, employment, business, transportation and education for our future residents.”

Image credit: ©destina/Dollar Photo Club

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