Territory town runs on 100% solar during day with new hybrid microgrid

The remote Northern Territory town of Jabiru will now be powered by up to 100% solar energy during the day after a hybrid renewable and battery power station, built to replace the previous diesel-only electricity supply, was switched on.

Energy Developments Limited, or EDL, said last week that it had “flipped the switch” on the 11.4MW Jabiru Hybrid Renewable Project, made up of a 3.9MW solar farm, a 3MW/5MWh battery energy storage system, and a 4.5MW back-up diesel generator.

Jabiru, which is seen as the gateway to Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem Region, had been supplied by diesel generators from the nearby – and now shuttered – Ranger uranium mine operated by Energy Resources Australia.

With the mine closed and the diesel generators taken out of the equation, the NT Labor government sought the opportunity to shift the town to at least 50 per cent renewable supply, awarding EDL the tender for the job in early 2021.

Some months later, in June of 2021, the federal government officially returned the town to its Traditional Owners, the Mirarr People, and committed to help transform the former mining town into a hub for Kakadu tourism.

EDL CEO James Harman said the new power station had “seamlessly” replaced the town’s previous fossil fuel supply and was providing Jabiru with stable, reliable, low emissions energy.

“During the day, the hybrid power station will draw on 100% solar from the 3.9MW solar farm to supply Jabiru—in the evening, the 3MW/5MWh battery will kick in, with diesel as back up.

“To achieve 100% renewable penetration seamlessly so soon after commissioning the new hybrid power station is testament to the experience and skill of EDL’s project team.”

On average, the Jabiru power station will supply more than 50% renewable energy to the town over the course of the year, which puts the remote town in line with the NT government’s target of 50% renewables by 2030.

EDL said the Jabiru project had leverages learnings from the company’s previous renewables projects; in particular, the Coober Pedy Hybrid Renewable Power Station, which supplies the remote offgrid South Australian mining town with an average of 75% renewables and has achieved 100% renewable energy supply for more than four consecutive days (97 hours).

The Jabiru project is part of the Territory Labor government’s $135.5 million dollar commitment to the Future of Jabiru and Kakadu package, and is the first project to be completed as part of the transition to a tourism and services hub.