Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund

The Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund (QMPF) supports Queenslanders living in regional and First Nations communities by helping them access more resilient electricity as part of the state’s energy system transformation.

The 2-year, $10 million program is funding feasibility studies and building projects to develop and deliver microgrid projects in Queensland’s regional and remote areas.

Successful applicants

There are 5 grant recipients under the QMPF.

Microgrid feasibility study

• Ener-G in Yarrabah ($720,000)—this will be conducted with the support of the Gunggandji–Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation
• Central Queensland University in Woorabinda ($609,996)
• Bulloo Shire Council in Thargomindah ($705,000 )

Microgrid build project

• Ergon Energy in:
  • Jumbun ($1,354,250)
  • Mossman Gorge ($2,638,958)

Microgrid electricity systems

A microgrid is a small-scale, standalone electricity system that generates and supplies electricity to small communities.

Power may be supplied by a mix of the existing electricity grid, local generation and battery storage, and may be combined with behind-the-meter generation and storage.

A microgrid has clearly-defined electrical boundaries and acts as a single coordinated entity with respect to the grid. A grid-connected microgrid can connect and disconnect from the grid, allowing it to operate in either grid-connected or island mode.

Benefits

Microgrids could help regional and remote communities boost their energy and network during power outages that can occur during severe weather events.

They could also contribute to the decarbonisation of the community (reducing carbon footprints) and reduce the need for diesel generation as a back-up energy source.

Program details

Funding

Communities were able to apply for:

• $250,000 to $750,000 for feasibility studies
• up to $5 million to build microgrid projects.

Eligibility

Application criteria included:

• holding an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
• the proposed site has to be connected to the Queensland Ergon Distribution network Supply marked by the map’s dark blue shading
• demonstrated need for increased electricity network resilience in the proposed community
• the project replacing, upgrading or supplementing existing electricity supply—consideration given to the technical design, project methodology, timing and appropriateness of microgrid technologies
• the project having progressed through pre-feasibility studies
• the project having contributed to the decarbonisation of the proposed community’s energy supply.

Local councils were eligible to apply for funding.

Ineligibility for funding included:

• if the project was located in the ‘isolated supply’ areas of the Queensland Ergon Distribution Network Supply Area
• if applicants were a Queensland Government entity (e.g. any government-owned corporation and its subsidiaries) they weren’t eligible to apply for funding if it was to deliver a feasibility study.

Contact us

Email: QMPFinfo@epw.qld.gov.au.