Project Overview

This initiative intends to demonstrate alternative energy impacts designed to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and leverage energy systems at a local infrastructure level. The project seeks to diversify energy sources, reduce costs, and enhance local energy production and export capabilities. This method is predicted to scale inter-neighbourhood clean energy distribution for positive economic impacts operating within existing resource boundaries.

Demonstration

This project has established a demonstration site capable of generating and storing 1.5 megawatts of renewable energy to provide low-cost energy to solar disparity households applying Digital Distribution Networks. The system is designed as a rapid adoption, comprehensive solution to the demand for clean energy supply and includes the following components:

  • Renewable energy generation

  • Community battery storage

  • Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

  • Distributed energy network for consumers

  • Peer-to-peer trading

Project Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to develop an economically viable prototype using small-scale modular systems. These will function as a neighbourhood power plant capable of accommodating the energy demands of small urban areas. The prototype aims to fulfil consumer energy needs at a sustainable cost, benefitting residential and industrial consumers.

PRESENT: CURRENT CONSUMPTION

69%

Of the renewable energy produced in Hamilton North, 31% is currently not utilised.

PHASE 1: SURPLUS CAPTURE

2863 kWh

Daily renewable energy production in Hamilton North captured for storage.

PHASE 2: ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLDS

93

Surplus energy is redirected via the site to an additional 93 households.

PHASE 3: TOTAL PRODUCTION

8801 kWh

Once the site is fully operational, total energy production will increase to 8801 kWh.

Demonstration Project Site

The solar energy project is situated on a 3-hectare site at the Clyde St Precinct in Hamilton North, NSW. The site lies in the Newcastle region known for its diverse array of companies, workshops, and creative studios.

Learn more about the Clyde St precinct here

Project Goals

The initiative aims to develop a renewable energy scaffold that generates 600kW to 1.5mW. This capacity will support the formation of an exportable neighbourhood energy pool of approximately 8,801 kWh. This pool will be available for local district use and as a general Distributed Energy Resource (DER). The system is expected to provide electrical power to the area's residential and business sectors while facilitating financial reinvestment into the Creative Industry Foundation.

Project Scope

Our comprehensive analysis will include the system's potential energy output, required land, associated costs, and projected revenue. 

Moreover, the project will explore the optimal distribution mechanisms for the generated energy and strategies for utilising financial surpluses to bolster a Creative Industries Foundation. This enterprise represents a strategic step towards realising a sustainable and economically vibrant community powered by clean and locally generated energy.

Decentralised Meshed Microgrids (DMM)

Central to our investigation are localised energy generation systems, including photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind generators, and storage devices. These technologies are instrumental in developing a microgrid mesh, marking a pivotal transition towards decentralised energy generated at levels that support production, distribution, and consumption at scale. This shift enhances the resilience of the energy infrastructure and positions decentralised generation as a catalyst for future industry advancement.