The Andrews Labor Government will fund a $3 million grant program to help grow the new energy technology sector in the Latrobe Valley.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the Latrobe Valley Microgrid Grant Program, which will help accelerate the uptake of renewable energy in the region.
The funding will support the development of a microgrid project located in the Latrobe Valley with the aim of lowering the cost of energy for local businesses, encouraging investment in the region and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A microgrid is a small network of electricity users with a local supply of power that can function independently of the electricity grid, delivering energy security, sustainability and cost savings for those in the network.
A microgrid generally operates while connected to the grid, but importantly, it can break off and operate on its own using local energy generation in times of crisis like storms or power outages. Microgrids can also share excess energy produced back into the network for other users.
Eligible project types include microgrids, virtual power plants and smart embedded networks which have renewable energy as the primary energy source.
Applications will close on 17 September 2018. The successful microgrid project will need to be completed by mid-2022.
This competitive grant program is in addition to the Government’s $10 million state-wide Microgrid Demonstration Program, announced in December 2017. Announcements on successful projects will be made shortly.
For more information visit energy.vic.gov.au/microgrids.
