The Corryong community is set to benefit from improved energy resilience with the start of construction on the $28.6 million Corryong Microgrid. The new initiative aims to provide reliable power during emergencies such as bushfires and storms.
The microgrid, which will be able to power more than 900 local homes and businesses for up to five days, is designed to operate independently of the main electricity grid during outages. This capability, known as 'islanding', ensures that isolated communities can maintain power even when the grid is down.
The Corryong microgrid will include a central 4.98 megawatt battery, a diesel generator and advanced switching technology. It will also include renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, as well as battery storage.
The project is being funded through two programmes:
- The Disaster Ready Fund, which includes a $7 million investment alongside $8 million from other funding sources. This fund supports projects that increase resilience to natural disasters and help communities better withstand and recover from disasters.
- The Community Microgrid and Sustainable Energy Programme, which also supports microgrids in Mallacoota and Omeo. This programme aims to provide more reliable electricity and build energy resilient rural communities by supporting solar, battery and other energy infrastructure.
AusNet Enterprise will cover all additional capital and operational costs. RACV Solar's installation of solar, battery and diesel generator systems at Corryong Police Station will commence shortly, with the entire microgrid expected to be operational by summer 2026.