Stories
Intyalheme awarded $3.2m Microgrid grant
Jun 05, 2020
Intyalheme, a flagship project of Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA), has been awarded almost $3.2m in grant funding from the Australian Government under the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund – Microgrids.
The project will address barriers that are limiting additional renewable energy from being added to the Alice Springs power system.
Click here to read the press release from The Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction:
Using technical, economic and behavioural modelling, the project seeks to determine which short-term interventions will be needed to shore up existing grid stability as a first priority.
Beyond that, the regulatory and technical developments needed to support a higher proportion of renewable energy will be identified. The modelling will outline how the Alice Springs grid could operate without any thermal (conventional) power generation, even for a short period.
Other factors will be explored, such as working out the implications of disconnecting and reconnecting a microgrid into the main power system, and establishing who carries the liabilities for supply during periods of disconnection.
“This funding forms part of a broader plan to revolutionise the Alice Springs power system over the next two years,” said General Manager of the Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy, Glenn Marshall.
“The transition to a renewable energy future is upon us, and because Alice Springs is an isolated grid, we will be among the first to face the sort of grid stability challenges that are associated with a high proportion of renewable energy,” he said.
“Technology like microgrids, household batteries, and cloud forecasting will be crucial in the future energy system, so today’s announcement is terrific news as it ensures a firm path towards a clean and secure energy future for Alice Springs.”
Click here for the full list of grant recipients:
Lessons learnt through the Alice Springs study will be applicable to other grids in the Northern Territory, and beyond.
The project will culminate in the development of a Roadmap to 2030 report, identifying the necessary steps to reach the NT renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030, in Alice Springs.
Other Intyalheme Stories
A clean and connected energy future for Alice Springs
Aug 14, 2020
Lessons learnt during the Alice Springs Future Grid project will directly inform Australia's clean energy transition.
DKA Hosts Their Excellencies, General the Honourable David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley
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Desert Knowledge Australia was honoured to host His Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, at the Desert Knowledge Precinct.
New leader for Intyalheme
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The Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy is pleased to announce that Tristan Simons has been appointed to the role of General Manager.