Great Victoria Desert Council has launched a $8.5 million Remote Renewable Energy Hub that will provide clean, reliable solar power to 12 remote desert communities, ending decades of dependence on expensive and polluting diesel generators.
The solar hub, located at the Tjuntjun community, features a 2-megawatt solar array combined with battery storage that will supply electricity to outstations and remote settlements across a 500-kilometer radius. The project represents the largest off-grid renewable energy installation in remote Australia.
"For too long, our remote communities have paid exorbitant prices for dirty diesel power. This solar hub changes everything - it brings clean, affordable energy to the desert and shows that renewable power works even in Australia's most remote locations."
Hub Specifications
The renewable energy hub features state-of-the-art technology:
Technical Details
- Solar Capacity: 2 megawatts from 5,000 panels
- Battery Storage: 4 MWh lithium-ion battery bank
- Backup: Biodiesel generators for extended cloudy periods
- Distribution: 500km network serving 12 communities
- Diesel Reduction: 90% decrease in fossil fuel use
- Carbon Savings: 3,000 tonnes CO2 annually
Community Benefits
The energy hub delivers transformative benefits:
Cost Savings
Electricity costs reduced by 60% for residents
Reliability
24/7 power with 99.9% uptime reliability
Employment
10 local jobs in operations and maintenance
Environmental Impact
The project delivers significant sustainability outcomes:
- Carbon Reduction: 3,000 tonnes CO2 saved annually
- Diesel Elimination: 500,000 liters less diesel burned yearly
- Transport Reduction: Fewer fuel truck trips on desert roads
- Spill Risk: Reduced risk of diesel spills in remote areas
Served Communities
The hub powers 12 remote settlements:
- Tjuntjun (hub location)
- 11 remote outstations
- Total population: 450 people
Powering the Future
The Remote Renewable Energy Hub is bringing clean power to the desert. Contact us to learn about renewable energy in remote communities.
Contact Energy Team
