Launch of the Mossman Gorge community microgrid project.
Glenn Springall, Ergon Energy’s General Manager of Renewables and Distributed Energy, stated: “This project is the first of its kind in Queensland and will include the installation of a network-connected battery to reduce the impact of power outages on the community.” The battery will serve as a backup during planned and unplanned outages, including those caused by severe weather, with the microgrid expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
The microgrid will be located at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, owned by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation. Group Chief Executive Officer Joe Morrison said: “As landowners of the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, where the microgrid will be built, we support projects, like the microgrid, that provide benefits to both community and the environment.” The project aligns with efforts to deliver sustainable solutions for First Nations communities.
Mossman Gorge is an ideal site for the pilot due to its small size, surplus solar power, and location over 10km from the Mossman substation. Sophie Allen, Ergon Energy’s Principal Engineer for fringe-of-grid projects, explained: “The battery energy storage system will have the capacity to provide several hours of power, which is the length of the average outage in the community.” She added: “The battery will last longer if members of the community are able to reduce their electricity use when the microgrid is operating, so we will be sharing some energy-saving tips.”
During upstream network faults, the microgrid will disconnect from the main grid and operate independently in ‘island mode,’ ensuring a stable power supply. Construction is set to begin later in 2025, with completion targeted for early 2026, weather permitting. Ergon Energy will engage with the community to maximize the microgrid’s benefits and share energy-saving strategies to enhance its effectiveness.
This initiative is expected to serve as a model for improving power reliability in other remote areas. Lessons learned from the Mossman Gorge microgrid will inform future projects, supporting Ergon Energy’s efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure for fringe-of-grid communities across Queensland.
