AGL Energy (AGL) and RRG Capital Management (RRG) are joining forces to implement a significant renewable microgrid project for Koompartu Farms in Australia’s Riverland region. This 15-hectare initiative is set to feature a 9.2 MWh solar PV array, composed of over 15,600 solar panels, complemented by a substantial 10.2 MWh battery energy storage system. The project also includes 16 diesel backup generators and 19 kilometers of underground high-voltage power lines to ensure a reliable power supply.
The primary objective of this microgrid is to achieve an estimated 88% reduction in diesel generator usage, while simultaneously bolstering local grid capacity and guaranteeing a stable power supply for Koompartu Farms’ essential irrigation systems. AGL estimates that the system will generate enough electricity to meet the annual energy needs of approximately 3,000 residents, similar to the nearby town of Berri. This marks a significant step towards a more resilient power infrastructure for the farm.
Under a 20-year power purchase agreement, AGL will manage the construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the energy assets, as well as supplying electricity to RRG. Brendan Weinart, AGL General Manager of Sustainable Business Energy Solutions, highlighted the project’s innovative approach. He stated that the design is intended to enhance local grid capacity and ensure the reliability crucial for irrigation operations. Weinart also emphasized that the projected 88% decrease in diesel generator use underscores the potential for customized microgrid solutions to help businesses reduce emissions and improve energy resilience.
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