Historic microgrid signing in the Daintree
POWER TO THE DAINTREE
It has been a long time coming and Daintree residents will tonight (5:00pm) finally witness the introduction of a world-leading renewable microgrid for the Daintree community in Far North Queensland.
The government has awarded Volt Advisory Group $18.75 million over three years to develop a highly innovative renewable energy microgrid for the Daintree region.
The project will support more than 200 jobs in Far North Queensland.
And Vicky Bidwell, owner of Heritage Lodge and Spa in the Daintree – the venue for the historic signing – said this is outstanding news.
“It could not be any better. We have waited a long time for this. For me, it’s been 11 years, for others up to 20 years.
“It is disappointing, though, that Daintree Renewable Energy president Russell O'Doherty, will not be present for the signing. His work over many years displayed incredible dedication and he withstood a lot of opposition,” said Bidwell. O’Doherty, meanwhile, has moved south.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr, who will be at the signing, said this is magnificent news for the area.
“There are so many positives: no need to burn diesel, it will be environmentally friendly and a reliable source of power,” said Kerr.
Assistant Minister to the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson will sign the document that finally sees the start of getting power to the people of the Daintree.
The renewable energy microgrid will incorporate an 8 MW solar farm, 20 MWh of battery storage and a 1 MW clean hydrogen plant.
In recognition that the Daintree rainforest is in the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland, the project aims to avoid disturbance in the area by deploying the microgrid along roadways and on previously cleared land.
Federal Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the Daintree Microgrid will ensure the Daintree community has a more affordable, more reliable and a more resilient electricity supply.
“This is a major win for communities in the Daintree Rainforest, which will see reduced pollution and noise from diesel generators and will be a valuable demonstration of solar to hydrogen technology,” said Taylor.