Garden Island Microgrid

INTRODUCTION

The Garden Island Microgrid (GIMG) is a pioneering renewable energy project developed by Carnegie Clean Energy in collaboration with the Australian Department of Defence. Located on Garden Island, Western Australia, the microgrid integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery energy storage, with provisions for future wave energy integration, to supply clean and reliable energy to HMAS Stirling, Australia’s largest naval base.

Key Project Details

  • Capacity: 2 MW solar PV
  • Solar Panels Installed: Approximately 6,000
  • Battery Storage: 2 MW capacity with 0.5 MWh energy storage
  • Annual Energy Output: Not specified
  • Homes Powered Equivalent: Not specified
  • COâ‚‚ Emission Reduction: Not specified

Location

Project Timeline

Construction Start: August 2017

Commissioning Date: September 2018

Operational Status: Fully operational since September 2018, with ongoing optimizations and provisions for future wave energy integration.

Situated approximately 61 kilometers south of Perth, Garden Island is home to HMAS Stirling, a critical naval installation hosting over 2,300 service personnel, 600 Defence civilians, and around 500 contractors.

Technology & Innovation

The GIMG is designed as a wave-integrated microgrid, featuring:

  • Solar PV System: 2 MW capacity providing renewable energy to the naval base.
  • Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): 2 MW/0.5 MWh capacity to store excess solar energy and supply power during peak demand or low solar generation periods.
  • Wave Energy Integration: Provisions for future integration of Carnegie’s CETO wave energy technology, aiming to create the world’s first wave-integrated renewable microgrid.

The system is designed to operate both on-grid and off-grid, integrating with existing diesel generators and the Western Power grid to demonstrate seamless transitions between operating modes.

Economic & Environmental Benefits

  • Renewable Energy Contribution: Provides HMAS Stirling with a reliable source of renewable energy, reducing reliance on diesel generators and grid electricity.
  • Cost Savings: Expected to lower energy costs for the Department of Defence through reduced fuel consumption and maintenance expenses associated with diesel generators.
  • Environmental Impact: By offsetting the use of fossil fuels, the microgrid contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, though specific COâ‚‚ reduction figures have not been specified.

Community & Partnerships

The GIMG project received funding support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), highlighting the collaborative effort between government agencies and private industry to advance renewable energy solutions. The project also emphasizes the Department of Defence’s commitment to energy security and sustainability.

The Garden Island Microgrid exemplifies innovative integration of renewable energy technologies within a critical military infrastructure, enhancing energy security and demonstrating a scalable model for future sustainable energy projects.

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