The Queensland government has created a $10 million fund to develop ‘micro grids’ in Aboriginal and storm-prone communities. 

The pilot fund is aimed at supporting developments in First Nations communities and those prone to tropical storms, while also building energy resilience, reducing power bills, and decarbonising the state.

The project will create a series of micro grids connected to the main grid, which can also function independently if needed.

“Queensland’s grid is one of the largest in the world and some of these communities at the fringes - many of which are First Nations communities - are heavily reliant on infrastructure that is vulnerable to severe weather,” Queensland energy minister Mick de Brenni has told reporters.

Grants from $250,000 are available for feasibility studies and up to $5 million to build microgrid projects that meet the program objectives and eligibility requirements.

More details are accessible here.