SwitchDin & Walnut Energy in Victorian government-backed microgrid project for BCG
Announcement posted by Walnut Energy Systems 04 Oct 2018
Advanced energy technology company SwitchDin and commercial microgrid developer Walnut Energy will supply the solution in a Victorian government-backed microgrid demonstration project at the Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) headquarters in Birchip, VIC.
The BCG project will demonstrate the value of energy resilience and self-sufficiency for rural industries. The microgrid will be optimised for solar (51kW) & battery (137kWh) energy self-consumption, and capable of islanding to keep power on in the event of a grid outage.
The project is one of the winners of grant funding under the state’s Microgrid Demonstration Initiative (MDI), which supports innovative microgrid projects that ‘showcase the use of energy storage in different settings and in combination with complementary technologies’.
The project is set to be completed and operating by mid 2019.
About Birchip Cropping Group
BCG is a not-for-profit agricultural research body founded in 1992 to help the local farming community improve their livelihoods through evidence-based best practice.
Rising power prices and unreliable supply have become pressing issues for regional farmers in recent years; this has led BCG to expand the scope of its research beyond cultivation.
The project will serve as a showcase for how farmers could adopt microgrids with solar and batteries to tackle these problems.
“BCG is all about assisting farmers by using science based research and extension to understand and assess innovations and new technologies. Having a Microgrid at BCG is exciting and we are looking forward to engaging with farm businesses and communities that are also keen to exploring the technology.
Energy security and pricing for farms, especially farms with intensive poultry, is vital to their business. BCG are delighted to work with the Victorian Government and The project partners in finding solutions to some of the current pain points”
Cameron Taylor, Business Development and Innovation Manager
Phone: 03 5492 2787
About SwitchDin
SwitchDin is an energy technology company that solves complex problems related to distributed energy resources (DERs), including microgrids and virtual power plants (VPPs).
SwitchDin will supply control solution for the BCG project, coordinating the solar inverter, battery bank and other power equipment to operate within network constraints - and keeping the power on during grid outages.
“SwitchDin is pleased to be involved in this innovative and well-targeted action of the Victorian government.
“Rural industries create jobs which rely heavily on access to affordable electricity. Solar & battery storage in microgrids are a cost-effective and flexible option to ensure farmers can grow and develop their businesses.
“SwitchDin ensures that microgrid systems will be smart, flexible, and integrate seamlessly with the grid - regardless of the solar or battery products used. We also ensure that these systems are ready for energy market opportunities.”
Dr Andrew Mears, CEO, SwitchDin Pty Ltd (for media)
Mob: 0421131550
Gary Childs, COO, SwitchDin Pty Ltd (for enquiries)
Mob: 0412273482
About Walnut Energy
Walnut Energy is a microgrid developer focussed on commercial & industrial scale projects, providing businesses a higher standard of energy supply whilst improving overall grid stability.
Successful completion of the project, including installation, design and ongoing operations is provided by Walnut Energy.
“Demonstrating the positive impacts single-user microgrids can have on a rural business’ bottom-line and their wider community makes this an exciting project to be involved in.”
Tom Kuiper, General Manager, Walnut Energy
Mob: 0415523169