Groote Island Renewable: Powering Progress

AEES Group was appointed by the Groote Holdings Aboriginal Corporation (GHAC) to deliver a feasibility study for the establishment of a renewable energy power station (RPS) on Groote Eylandt.

Since delivering the study, a full technical audit has been undertaken of the microgrid for the establishment of 10 MW Solar plus 10MW of battery storage with 4-hour capacity.  This important project is being established by GHAC to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources and promote sustainable enterprises for the Groote Archipelago community.  The RPS power offtake is planned for delivery into the microgrid owned and operated by Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO).  The mine is forecast for closure, prompting the need for an alternative energy source for Alyangula and Angurugu communities.

The project decarbonises the diesel generation by approx. 9,700 CO2-e tons per year. The system payback is promising to generate a profitable business for GHAC, selling renewable electricity to the mine. This system will will support the communities located on the mine micro-grid.

Solution Details 

Location: Groote Eylandt, NT

Solar System Size: 10MW + 10MW Battery Storage

Roof Fixing Method: Single Axis Tracker

Technology: Siemens Inverters

Monitoring Annual Energy Production: 18GWh

Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction: 9,700 Metric Tonnes of CO2