Australia’s first renewable energy industrial microgrid is up and running at the McGowan Government’s Peel Business Park in Nambeelup, with the innovative network now providing power to the site following the completion of Stage 1 works.
The industry-leading solution, delivered by a consortium led by Peel Renewable Energy together with Sunrise Energy and Synergy has created a one of a kind microgrid that brings together a mix of onsite solar generation, battery storage assets and the backing of a small grid connection to deliver cheaper and greener power for businesses at the park.
The microgrid’s battery energy storage system, which will moderate, store and discharge power to businesses through the network, is being installed now for commissioning in March 2021.
Peel-based business Wormall Civil delivered $14.9 million of civil works for Stage 1 at Peel Business Park, which were completed in November. These works comprised earthworks, roadworks, utility service upgrades, arterial drainage and $4.7 million of trunk water and sewer infrastructure extensions.
Landscaping works for the business park, undertaken by head contractor Total Eden in conjunction with nine local subcontractors and indigenous Clontarf Foundation trainees, was completed in October.
The 16-hectare Stage 1 will be home to a range of local businesses as well as Western Australia’s Food Innovation Precinct, delivered by the Shire of Murray and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ new Bushfire Centre of Excellence which is under construction.
Once operational, occupants in Stage 1 are expected to deliver more than 250 ongoing jobs and contribute $73 million to the local economy each year.
The first 120ha of the 1,000ha Peel Business Park is being delivered by DevelopmentWA’s Industrial Lands Authority as an Innovation through Demonstration project, providing cross-government support to facilitate growth of new business and industry.
The business park is part of the State Government’s Transform Peel initiative, which is transforming the Peel region by attracting new industries, creating new jobs, encouraging enterprise and providing sustainable sources of food and water as the population grows.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Transform Peel is a State Government initiative with a 35-year horizon, which will help to create a solid base of economic activity in the region and drive local jobs.
“As part of Transform Peel, and as an innovative industry hub in its own right, Peel Business Park will play a crucial role in supporting economic and employment growth and building resilience within the Peel region for generations to come.
“With phase one milestones now achieved, this visionary project continues to gather momentum as it moves into its second phase – involving consolidation, attracting investment, and new initiatives.”
As stated by Lands Minister Ben Wyatt:
“It is fantastic to see the Peel Business Park forging ahead, which will build opportunity and create jobs for the region by bringing together business, industry, training, research and development.
“The renewable microgrid network is a unique solution to the high cost of extending mains power to unserviced regional sites, and is a great example of the Industrial Lands Authority’s crucial work in making it easier to access and develop industrial land across our State.”
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
“The business park is an important part of Transform Peel, which is set to deliver up to 33,000 new jobs by 2050 – with these opportunities already unlocked in initial stages of development.
“This is great for the Murray-Wellington electorate and the greater Peel area. The Peel Business Park diversifies our economy and it’s creating more jobs for our region.”
As stated by Mandurah MLA David Templeman:
“I am delighted that Australia’s first renewable energy industrial microgrid is now up and running and providing power across this 16 hectare stage of Peel Business Park – opening up new job opportunities for Mandurah and the Peel.”
