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Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund

Applications for this program are now closed.

The $10 million Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund (QMPF) will support Queenslanders living in regional and First Nations communities by giving them access to more resilient electricity as part of the state’s energy system transformation.

The program aims to:

  • increase energy and network resilience in regional and remote communities
  • contribute to the decarbonisation of these communities, which are generally reliant on diesel generation.

As one of the first programs to be delivered under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, the two-year program offers grants for feasibility studies and projects to develop and deliver microgrid projects across regional and remote areas of Queensland, boosting the network resilience of these communities against extreme weather events.

By supporting a pipeline of microgrid projects through the QMPF, Queenslanders living in regional and First Nations communities can have access to cleaner electricity. The application of more resilient, innovative energy technologies can also reduce the cost of electricity supply to regional and remote communities.

Microgrid electricity systems

A microgrid is a small-scale, stand-alone electricity system that generates and supplies electricity to multiple customers. Power may be supplied by a mix of the existing grid, local generation and storage, and may be combined with behind-the-meter generation and storage.

It has clearly defined electrical boundaries and acts as a single co-ordinated entity with respect to the grid. A grid-connected microgrid can connect and disconnect from the grid to enable it to operate in both grid-connected or island mode.

Available funding

You can apply for:

  • $250,000 to $750,000 for feasibility studies
  • up to $5 million to build microgrid projects.

Eligibility

To apply for funding:

  • you must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN).
  • your proposed site must connect to the Queensland Ergon Distribution network Supply marked by the map’s dark blue shading.
  • you must demonstrate the need for increased electricity network resilience in the proposed community.
  • your project must replace, upgrade or supplement existing electricity supply. Consideration will be given to the technical design, project methodology, timing and appropriateness of microgrid technologies.
  • your project must have progressed through pre-feasibility studies.
  • your project must contribute to the decarbonisation of proposed community’s energy supply.

Local councils are eligible to apply for funding.

Not eligible

You are not eligible for funding:

  • if your project is located in the ‘Isolated supply’ areas of the Queensland Ergon Distribution Network Supply Area.
  • if you are a Queensland Government entity such as any Government Owned Corporation and its subsidiaries you are not eligible to apply for funding to deliver a feasibility study.

Applications for this program are now closed.

Frequently asked questions

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What is pre-feasibility?

Your microgrid project should have at least progressed through a pre-feasibility study. Pre-feasibility, at minimum, should include:

  1. Proposed location for microgrid and clear project description.
  2. Description of proposed microgrid technology including renewable energy generation pairing (e.g. solar, wind, hydro-power etc.) and battery storage solutions.
  3. An outline of operational costs and estimates for capital build including associated timeline:
  4. Provide a project financial model in a format readable with common spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel that enables the analysis of the capital cost, operational expenses, revenue, cash flow and returns of the project.
  5. A completed PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal and Environmental) risk assessment.

What is a PESTLE risk assessment?

PESTLE analysis, which is sometimes referred to as PEST analysis, is a framework used to assess a project/product/service, etc. for risks and potential issues in relation to 6 factors.

PESTLE is an acronym for 6 factors:

  • P for Political
  • E for Economic
  • S for Social
  • T for Technological
  • L for Legal
  • E for Environmental

Will demonstrating a funding co-contribution affect my eligibility?

No, you can apply without demonstrating your ability to make an in-kind or financial co-contribution towards your project. However, we will be considering this as part of the selection criteria so encourage you to include letters of support/commitment outlining a funding contribution, if possible.

Contact us

Email QMPFinfo@epw.qld.gov.au for more information or assistance completing the application form.

Last updated: 
21 March 2023