Here's how 'microgrids' are empowering regional and remote communities across Australia.

Microgrids, small collections of electricity generators, are being used in Australian communities to provide secure and clean energy supplies. These microgrids, often owned by local communities, are replacing dirty diesel generators and primarily rely on solar energy. Research on 20 microgrid feasibility projects funded by the Australian government demonstrates the important role microgrids can play in the energy transition. They offer benefits such as energy security, reliability, equity, autonomy, and emissions reduction, and enable communities to take control of their own energy generation and ownership. The Marlinja community in the Northern Territory is an example of a successful Indigenous community-owned microgrid that has reduced energy costs and benefited the community. However, there are obstacles to the rapid rollout of microgrids, including outdated regulations, the need for more government investment, and the social change required to develop new business models and approaches to benefit sharing and ownership. Despite these challenges, microgrids have the potential to bring economic, environmental, and social benefits to regional and remote communities in Australia. [Extracted from the article]