Could a 500MW solar project be built in South Norfolk?

Island Green Power is seeking public opinions on provisional plans for a nationally significant solar and storage project in South Norfolk. The renewable energy developer has launched public consultation on early-stage proposals for a 500MW solar development co-located with a battery energy storage system (BESS) that could have up to 500MW output.

How many solar panels are there in Norfolk Island?

44 km of high and 44 km of low voltage cabling. Distributed household rooftop PV systems. There have been more than 555 small-scale solar power systems installed on Norfolk Island, with a collective capacity of 1,770 kW. That’s pretty impressive given its remoteness and a population of 1,849.

Does Norfolk Island have too much solar energy?

That’s pretty impressive given its remoteness and a population of 1,849. But this uptake has also caused some headaches in managing Norfolk Island’s electricity network, with too much solar energy goodness generated at times. The Tesla battery system installed in December 2020 has helped out on that front.

Will Australian government help Norfolk Island's diesel-based electricity cost woes?

The Australian Federal Government has stepped in to give the folks on Norfolk Island some relief from their diesel-based electricity generation cost woes. Norfolk Island is a tiny island (3,455 hectares) in the South Pacific Ocean.

What equipment does Norfolk Island have?

Among Norfolk Island’s electricity generation and infrastructure assets: 6 x 1.0MW diesel generators. 4 x 750 kVA 415/6600 volt step-up transformers. 125 kW standby generator for powerhouse essentials, hospital and airport. A 2MW Tesla battery system for slurping up surplus solar energy.

Does Norfolk rely on diesel?

Like many island communities, Norfolk has traditionally relied on diesel for electricity generation. The community in the process of shifting entirely to much cheaper and cleaner renewable energy, but that transition can’t happen fast enough.