In a Territory first achievement, the community of Daly River is running on ‘solar only’ during the day thanks to its pioneering energy storage system and 1MW solar array.

The system is now capable of powering half the community’s energy needs and saving 400,000L of diesel each year.

Power and Water Corporation’s Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) has built and commissioned a 2MWh lithium-ion battery charged by 3200 solar panels in a 1 Megawatt solar array, enabling the town to go to ‘diesel-off’ during the day.

Daly River is currently the only SETuP site that incorporates an energy storage system to maximise environmental benefits and provide dependable power at the remote site. By storing excess energy as well as managing and stabilising the grid, the system allows the diesel generators to be switched off completely during the day.

Power and Water’s Chief Executive Michael Thomson is very happy with the outcome.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to run on ‘solar only’ power generation for the first time in a remote community,” he said.

“For too long Northern Territory remote communities have had to rely on diesel generators that are expensive to run and subject to volatile fuel prices.

“This project demonstrates the enormous advantages of solar/diesel hybrid systems in delivering cost-effective, reliable and safe power to remote locations,” Mr Thomson said.

The community has been supportive while participating through all stages of construction. The local Malak Malak Aboriginal Rangers and Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation undertook training and activities such as flora surveys, clearing and fencing and minor civil works. Totem Fencing worked closely with Ironbark and locally owned Aboriginal business Piening Contracting won the tender for clearing and civil works.

Conergy and BMD Constructions were appointed the contract to design and construct the solar array, while German company Qinous provided the battery system.

Ongoing testing and system performance analysis will continue to take place through to 2020.
Jointly funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Northern Territory Government, the $59 million SETuP project is integrating a further 9MW across the Northern Territory and transforming Power and Water’s essential services delivery model in remote locations.

About the Power and Water Corporation

Power and Water Corporation is a multi-utility in the Northern Territory, an area of more than 1.3 million square kilometres. It is responsible for electricity transmission and distribution, provides water and sewerage services across the Territory, and sells gas from the Blacktip offshore field to commercial customers. Power and Water also supplies electricity generation and retail services to 72 remote communities through its not-for-profit subsidiary, Indigenous Essential Services Pty Ltd.

Contact: Media Team

Phone: 0401 117 599