Renewable energy in regional Australia – the case for micro-grids

Researchers Dr Mark Frost, Dr Alfred Wong, Dr Simon Wright and Professor Kevin Paton from Charles Sturt’s School of Business have undertaken research into the expansion of renewable energy in regional Australia. One major component of their research investigated the impacts of large-scale wind and solar power plants and their impacts on investments and sustainability. Factors considered include agricultural land use, regional employment, wildlife habitat loss, the costs of visual intrusion, and the potential reduction in adjacent property values.

Given the increasing availability of new-technology renewable systems with various components of wind, solar and batteries, the second major component of their research investigates the use of micro-grids. One aspect of this research examines the state-of-play of micro-grids across Australia and their likely course of expansion over the next decade. However, they note that research into the business models and ownership structures of micro-grids is at an embryonic stage compared to research into the technical aspects of micro-grids. Our researchers are working with a renewable micro-grid in the rural NSW town of Cowra. Their work involves the development of a financial and ownership structure allowing multiple energy stakeholders to participate and is anticipated to allow for the sourcing of external debt and equity finance.