NT aboriginal community to get 1MW solar plant, cut reliance on diesel

One Step Off The Grid

A remote Aboriginal community south of Darwin in the Northern Territory will soon be powered mostly by the sun, thanks to a hybrid solar and diesel generation plant being built as part of the Territory government’s SETuP program.

The Daly River project will see the construction of a 1MW solar facility, that is expected to provide 100 per cent of the local Nauiyu community’s energy needs during the day, relegating the diesel generators for use only at night and as back-up.

It will be built by German-based solar giant, Conergy, and Queensland-based BMD Constructions, with construction set to commence soon.

As well as the environmental benefits, the addition of solar will mean the community is less susceptible to diesel fuel price rises and less reliant on fuel transportation.

The SETuP program, a four-year, $55 million investment by government and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency aims to bolster the energy production needs of remote communities by
integrating advanced solar and battery technologies into the local grid.

Nauiyu is one of the first communities to be chosen for the program – which is being rolled out by local utility Power and Water Corporation…

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