Merriwa microgrid innovation trial

A microgrid is a small network of power generation, storage and control technologies that are designed to supply a small group of consumers with electricity while operating independently of the central grid. 
A microgrid can operate autonomously, supplied by energy sources like solar generation, battery storage and diesel power, when power supply from the main grid is disrupted by extreme weather events or is otherwise unavailable. 
A microgrid is designed to increase the reliability and resilience of the network and the community. 

A community hub is a place for the community to come together during an emergency and access essential services – for example charging, satellite wi-fi internet, washing, refrigeration and cooking.  

A community hub is generally located at a large and easily accessible venue like a community hall.  

As part of the Merriwa microgrid trial, we are planning to work with the community to determine if they see value in a community hub, what services it should deliver and work with local partners to design and run the community hub to meet community needs. 

The first step in this trial is to develop a low-voltage connected microgrid at Merriwa, capable of supplying identified premises along Bettington Street, in the centre of town during major outages.

The proposed microgrid will include small scale power generation (solar panels and a back-up diesel generator), storage (batteries) and control technologies. The microgrid will be able to operate during planned and unplanned power interruptions – switching on to maintain supply automatically to homes and businesses in the trial area.

It is also proposed to power a community hub to improve Merriwa’s resilience to disruptive events by providing services such as refrigeration, laundry and showering facilities and a central meeting point. Community input will help determine the location and services included in the community hub.

Ausgrid has considered a range of possible locations, with a focus on areas where we need to improve system reliability and resilience for customers. Merriwa has been selected as the preferred location because:

• the existing network configuration means there is a risk of extended outages to the area
• the conditions at our Merriwa Depot are right for this project, with the right amount of space, sunlight and support for an effective trial 
• our climate assessments show that the Merriwa and Upper Hunter areas will be some of the most impacted by climate change across Ausgrid's system in coming decades.

The technology is now at a stage that we are confident it will work reliably and cost effectively. 

We’re proposing to install the microgrid at Ausgrid’s Merriwa Depot, which will allow for the majority of the main street to be supplied by the microgrid, providing benefits to the town and surrounding rural properties through the proposed community hub.

As we are developing plans for the microgrid trial we want to involve the community in our planning.  
We aim to provide the community with balanced and objective information to outline the need for this project, our delivery approach and how it may affect people.  
The feedback we receive from our customers and stakeholders will shape the Merriwa microgrid and community hub design.  
By involving customers in our decision making, will help us to design the project to that best serves Merriwa community needs.  
We’re in the planning stage of this project and are looking to maximise benefits in Merriwa and the Upper Hunter area, leveraging local businesses and their capability where possible.  
To have your say, register to be part of our community workshops on 29 and 30 November. We are looking for community feedback on the proposed microgrid and community hub. 
The engagement process is designed to gather community feedback and insights, using them to inform the design of the microgrid trial and community hub, as well as future programs.  
We will keep the local community informed, and we’ll acknowledge and consider any feedback.  

Ausgrid climate impact research for the Upper Hunter shows by 2050 we can expect to see an increase in all types of climate risks such as heat, storms and bushfire.

A microgrid allows Ausgrid to provide a more resilient electricity supply to customers. The microgrid maintains electricity to connected customers, and customers outside the microgrid area can access services provided within the proposed community hub, which will be connected to the microgrid.  

The proposed Merriwa microgrid will be the first in Ausgrid’s network, the trial will allow us to get a better understanding of the customer experience, engineering requirements and costs involved.  

This project is part of our commitment to delivering decentralised energy generation options in a cost-effective way that directly benefits our customers. 

These trials help us to determine the right technologies and options for the right locations, helping to secure the power supply for our customers now and into the future.