The Daintree Renewable Microgrid (DRM) proposes to deliver a renewable energy microgrid for the Daintree community in two stages to improve the affordability, reliability and security of energy supply to the community.

The DRM will aim to displace over 4 million litres of diesel currently being consumed annually for power resources for both residents and businesses in the Daintree – creating an ongoing positive environmental impact to the Daintree Rainforest, its waterways and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef.

The project will involve the construction and operational establishment of an underground network which will significantly improve  the affordability, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply for the Daintree community at the same time removing the ongoing pollution associated with existing power resources in the Daintree Rainforest.

The microgrid will feature two key elements.

The first is an underground cable network, which will be placed under existing roads and easements, meaning there will be no disturbance to the rainforest.

The second part is the generator station. As a 100% renewable microgrid, the generation station will comprise a solar farm, battery storage, containerised electrical switchgear, and a containerised hydrogen electrolyser and fuel cell.

The combination of solar generation and battery and hydrogen storage will ensure that sufficient energy is captured and stored to get the community through periods of low solar production, like in the wet season.

This project is the first of its kind, anywhere in the world. It will allow the Daintree community to cease its reliance on millions of litres of diesel fuel annually. It will also provide affordable and reliable power.