The state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia recently launched a $3 million AU grant program to support the development of a renewables-based microgrid project and help grow the new energy technology sector in the Latrobe Valley. The Latrobe Valley Microgrid Grant Program’ is aimed at lowering the cost of energy for local businesses, encouraging new investment in the region, and supporting its transition to a low-carbon economy.
“We’re ensuring businesses in the Latrobe Valley have access to cheap, clean, and reliable energy,” energy minister, Lily D’Ambrosio said. “This microgrid program will mean local businesses can save money and strengthen investment in the local economy.”
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said it was an exciting program that gave businesses the opportunity to source their energy from renewable resources and reduce the cost of their electricity.
“I encourage industry to apply for this grant program which will boost the development of renewable energy in the Latrobe Valley,” said Shing.
This competitive grant program is in addition to the Government’s $10 million AU state-wide Microgrid Demonstration Program, announced in December 2017. Announcements on successful projects will be made shortly.
Eligible project types include microgrids, virtual power plants and smart embedded networks which have renewable energy as the primary energy source. Applications for the Microgrid Grant Program close on September 17th, 2018. The successful microgrid project would need to be completed by mid-2022. For more information visit energy.vic.gov.au/microgrids.
