MEDIA RELEASE 28/2/2020

Candidate for Division 2, Steven Purcell has a bold plan to invest in microgrid energy infrastructure across Ipswich to boost renewable energy benefits to residents and our local community.

“Ipswich has demonstrated a commitment to finding cheaper and renewable energy sources through the strong takeup of home solar panels in the region. Having some personal control over their energy supply is clearly important to our local community,” Mr Purcell said.

“Microgrid energy provides reliable, localised energy storage to protect residents from power outages likely to become more severe and frequent in the future,” Mr Purcell said.

“Pensioners and low income families can’t afford to take advantage of battery storage, and could end up bearing the full cost of our power network while high income earners make the switch to battery.”

“A microgrid energy project of this scale can also attract national and international investment, creating local jobs and opportunities in one of the fastest growing industries globally,” he said.

The system Mr Purcell recommends has been trialled in other communities across Australia and works by creating renewable storage nodes and upgrading local energy infrastructure for a smarter grid which better accommodates two way energy flow.

“Working in partnership with private industry, as well as State and Federal Governments, this investment could create opportunities for locals to buy and sell energy to our neighbours.

“This would create better competition from energy retailers, and ultimately save locals on their electricity bill. One of the key benefits is that this system also addresses the inequity of growth in renewables, and would ensure pensioners and low income families don’t get left behind.”

“For the people who can’t afford battery storage, we can ensure they aren't left paying for outdated energy grid, and can access the benefits of renewable technologies.”

“As demand for energy grows, local storage will ensure our homes, hospitals, waste services can keep the lights on in the event of power outages - an added protection for residents.”

“If elected, I will push for council to develop a business case for a microgrid energy strategy for Ipswich as part of a full suite of climate ready initiatives. We need a forward thinking council. Ideas like this will put Ipswich on the map for the right reasons.”

References:

Energy Victoria

Garden Island Microgrid Project

Enova Energy

ABC "Microgrids and neighbourhood power sharing set to transform how we use energy" 4th December 2019

Empowering Australia’s energy future: the microgrid revolution