Geraldton Airport in Western Australia’s Midwest region is now able to operate independently off the grid using renewable energy following the completion of a AUD 6 million ($4.18 million) integrated solar and battery energy storage system.
The hybrid power system – designed, built and commissioned by Perth-headquartered off-grid energy specialist UON – includes an 842 kW solar array coupled with a 2 MWh battery energy storage system.
UON, which is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the facility, said it is tied together with the company’s proprietary Smart energy management system (EMS) which enables the power plant to be operated in parallel with the grid or as an islanded microgrid.
“Where standard products handle basic generation and load balancing, our EMS manages the full complexity of grid-parallel operation – automatically islanding the airport from the Western Power network if instability occurs, maintaining uninterrupted power throughout, and reconnecting seamlessly once stability is restored,” the company said, noting that since its commissioning, the system has enabled 88 days of 100% renewable-powered operation.
UON Executive Chairman Mark Keogh said the solution delivers energy security and operational resilience for one of regional Western Australia’s most important transport and emergency services hubs.
“Geraldton Airport’s power system now operates through a microgrid that combines solar power, battery storage and intelligent controls,” he said. “This allows the airport to make the most of renewable energy while maintaining a reliable power supply, with both UON and the city able to monitor system performance in real time, around the clock.”
Keogh said the project showcases Australian engineering expertise with every part of the microgrid, including the software that controls it, developed in Australia.
“That matters because the knowledge stays here, it supports local engineering through the energy transition, and it creates real opportunities for the next generation of Australians wanting to build careers in this space,” he said.
Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the microgrid project, funded in part by a AUD 2 million grant from the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, is a huge win for the region on multiple levels.
“Geraldton Airport is a critical community asset and this investment helps safeguard its ability to continue supporting regional connectivity, aviation services, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and State Emergency Service operations,” he said. “This project also represents another substantial step in the city’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2030.”
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