A world-class research and development hub to test new technologies in the energy sector is in the works for Northern Australia, the Queensland State Government have announced on Wednesday.
Located in the Tropical city of Cairns, designs for the 6 million Australian (4 million U.S.) dollar facility are currently being drawn up according to local Member of State Parliament Michael Healy.
"This is the first large-scale facility of its kind in Queensland and will feature some of the most cutting-edge technology in the energy sector," he said.
"This will pave the way for new electricity solutions... It will also support many new jobs for the region, which will have a flow on effect for local businesses, schools and the economy."
Aiming to seamlessly integrate new technologies such as renewables into the national electricity network, Queensland Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the facility will also look at off-grid power alternatives for remote communities.
"The brains of the new facility is a super computer, or real-time digital simulator, which can simulate and model equipment and capture data in very high detail," he said.
"A wide range of energy solutions will be able to be tested before they are deployed, enabling renewable energy and energy storage to form a greater part of micro-grids and isolated systems for remote communities."
"We want to tap into technology that helps deliver affordable, reliable, sustainable and safe energy solutions to communities across Queensland, but we have to ensure it is the right fit first."
With the Sunshine State already one of the world's biggest users of solar energy per capita, researchers believe the Micro-grid and Isolated Systems Test facility could see Queensland as global leading in the energy distribution space.
"By enabling the integration of high levels of centralized and distributed renewables and energy storage, we can reduce costly diesel consumption in isolated communities," Principal Engineer of Technology Innovation at Queensland Energy Alan Louis explained.
"With a facility of this caliber, we can prepare customers, communities and our workforce for the future, support regional development and build on our relationships with local academic institutions."
Editor:Cherie
