Adelaide Microgrid’s Fresh Energy Approach wins for South Australia on the World Stage

The Market’s successful Energy Microgrid Project has now received international recognition, after being awarded the 2021 Microgrid Greater Good Award, at Microgrid: 2021: The World Awakens To Microgrids, a virtual conference that attracted several thousand participants from across the globe.

This Award recognises microgrids that fulfil a clear need and benefit the community. The market was awarded first place for the leading edge project that was completed in 2019 and now enables the precinct to be completely self-sufficient in its energy supply and has removed any threat of power outages. The innovative project cost $10.5m (including $2.25 million in state government funds).

Following the 2016 power failure, SAPML, with a high energy use, decided to find a reliable and cost-effective way to meet their energy demands. The solution was the creation of an advanced microgrid of unprecedented scale, allowing them to use power sources on and off grid.

This EcoStruxure™ Microgrid solution, developed by EcoXpert Critical Power Master partner AZZO, not only solved the power supply problem for SAPML but delivered significant community and environmental benefits.

SAPML awarded the $10.5M contract to EPC Autonomous Energy working in collaboration with AZZO to deliver an integrated solution orchestrating all distributed energy resources, with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure platform and AZZO’s EnergyX Generation suite of extensions.

James DiLiberto, CEO of the AZZO Group of Companies, said “This project represents best in class software, hardware and system integration in a future-ready microgrid engineered for agility. The world has awakened to microgrids and when today’s leading businesses, like the SAPML, have the courage to transform, the results are impactful.”

As well as ensuring the provision of fresh fruit and vegetable supplies to the state, the microgrid cut the business’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 32% and reduced its maximum demand by 3.8 Million Megawatt Hours per annum.

James Hunt, VP of Power Systems at Schneider Electric the global leader in energy efficiency and technology, explains “In my mind, for a microgrid project to justify its existence it has to enable the entry of renewables, offer resilience to the grid and/or push energy costs down. This one ticks all of those boxes.

“The site has security of power and is protected against the high priced, volatile spot market, providing a net saving of A$4.3 million dollars over 10 years.”

Chief Executive Officer of SAPML Mr Angelo Demasi, said “This technology is enabling SA Produce Market growers and wholesalers to continue to provide affordable fresh produce to local consumers who purchase through independent retailers. This innovative solution is a win-win for both consumers and the environment, leading the way for other South Australian businesses. We are delighted to accept the award.”