Lockhart's renewable future

THE Nationals Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced $1 million in Federal Government funding through the Community Development Grants Programme for stage one of the Lockhart Renewable Energy Project.

Under the proposal, electricity would be generated locally from renewable energy sources which, combined with battery storage technology, would not only be sufficient to power the town 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but would also generate surplus power which could be sold back into the grid.

“This proposed microgrid demonstration project shows that big things in the area of renewable energy can come from small but innovative places, such as Lockhart,” Mr McCormack said.

“The Government is supporting communities and businesses at all levels to lower energy cost whether it be through backing microgrids, building Snowy Hydro 2.0 or providing grants to local organisations to install rooftop solar panels.”

Lockhart was chosen as the site for the demonstration project because it has a mix of residential, commercial and industrial electricity consumers, as well as public institutions, such as schools and a hospital.

The town is also established in a grid pattern and is NBN connected.

The vision is for Lockhart to remain connected to the main grid – enhancing energy security – while reducing power prices and providing environmental benefits.

“The community, including Lockhart Shire Council, is fully supportive of the project and that is one of the reasons I am right behind it,” Mr McCormack said.