The NSW government is investing AU$3 million to explore new solar and battery-powered microgrid initiatives across four isolated Far West townships, aimed at improving electricity reliability in regional communities vulnerable to severe weather disruptions.
Partnering with regional grid provider Essential Energy, the government will undertake scoping work to evaluate local generation and storage assets. The initiative directly responds to broader energy security concerns following widespread power disruptions in October 2024 and a subsequent parliamentary inquiry into regional network resilience.
Under the plan, researchers will investigate a standalone solar microgrid for White Cliffs, continuing the town’s long-standing connection to solar technology.
In Tibooburra, pre-feasibility studies will examine upgrading the existing diesel-backed system with a solar-powered microgrid to provide cleaner, more reliable power for homes, local businesses, and emergency infrastructure.
Meanwhile, communities in Milparinka and Packsaddle are slated for targeted battery storage options designed to maintain local power supplies during wider transmission network outages.
Essential Energy will evaluate how effectively the proposed systems can maintain critical operations during severe weather events, including fuel supplies, emergency response centers, and vital telecommunications infrastructure.
The distributor will present its findings to the NSW government before advancing any projects to formal development.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Executive Director of Energy Infrastructure Liam Ryan highlighted the essential nature of secure supply following the 2024 outages.
“These microgrid projects could improve energy security, reduce reliance on diesel and help communities stay connected when they need it most,” Ryan said.
Essential Energy Chief Assets and Digital Officer Luke Jenner added that identifying local solar and battery integration as a practical, sustainable alternative to maintaining thousands of kilometres of remote powerlines exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
The initiative will also engage local First Nations communities throughout the process to ensure meaningful economic opportunities and long-term benefits across the region.
