Town In Australia Is 100% Solar Powered

Source: Zachary Shahan · CLEANTECHNICA · | June 19, 2021

Source: Solar farm at Onslow microgrid project. Photo by Hozon Power.

Some cities, states, and countries say that they just can’t go 100% renewable — it’s “impossible.” Others say that they may be able to do it, someday, perhaps. Others tells us that they will do it — in 2050. Or maybe 2040. Perhaps even 2030. And then there are some that have already done it. (Yes, including several countries.)

The latest jurisdiction to log a 100% renewable energy milestone is the town of Onslow in Australia. Onslow was actually 100% powered by solar (+ battery energy storage) for 80 minutes recently. More of that is on the way, as well.

True, Onslow has a population of 848 according to the 2016 census. We’re not talking New York City. Nonetheless, a town is a town, and being 100% solar powered for a significant period of time is impressive.

An Onslow Distributed Energy Resource Project demonstration reportedly marked the landmark achievement. “The operation of the Onslow microgrid powered by 100% renewables signifies a landmark step towards building a cleaner, brighter, renewable energy future for our state,” Western Australia Energy Minister Bill Johnston said. “This innovative project demonstrates how distributed energy resources can be safely integrated at the grid level, unlocking further benefits from Western Australia’s world-leading rooftop solar uptake.”