To help Koompartu Farms manage energy needs in an area with limited grid capacity, AGL partnered with RRG Capital Management to deliver a first-of-its-kind, grid-boosting microgrid. This solution provides reliable energy for critical operations, while supporting the farm’s sustainability objectives.
Located in South Australia's Riverland region, Koompartu Farms is a 2,505-hectare almond orchard where reliable power is vital to keeping essential irrigation systems running. Even a short interruption to irrigation can impact crop production, making energy security a key operational requirement.
To meet the farm's 6.7 MW energy needs, Koompartu Farms required a tailored energy solution. Upgrading local grid capacity was not economically viable, while greater reliance on diesel generation would have increased costs and emissions.
AGL delivered an innovative, first of its-kind, grid-boosting microgrid, designed to augment limited local electricity grid capacity, reduce diesel reliance and support the farm's long-term growth.
Under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, AGL designed, built, owns, operates and maintains a fully integrated microgrid comprising:
9.2 MW solar PV array with over 15,600 solar panels
10.2 MWh battery energy storage system
16 diesel backup generators
19 kilometres of underground high-voltage infrastructure.
At the heart of the solution is an advanced energy management system that continuously optimises energy supply, selecting the lowest-cost available combination of energy sources from solar, battery storage, grid supply and diesel generation. The microgrid’s grid boosting capability is a first for Australian agriculture. This intelligent approach helps maximise hybrid energy use while maintaining reliability for critical agricultural operations.
Together, these technologies generate, store and manage power on-site, helping support Koompartu Farms' 6.7 MW energy requirements.
It showcases how innovation can provide reliable, lower-emissions energy solutions for large-scale agribusinesses operating in areas with limited grid capacity, without adding pressure on the regional electricity network.
The microgrid provides dependable energy for irrigation infrastructure that is essential to farm productivity and crop protection.
The solution is expected to reduce diesel generator use by approximately 88%, helping lower emissions, lower costs and support the farm's sustainability goals.
Designed to continue operating even during grid interruptions, the microgrid helps provide greater flexibility and resilience in a regional environment.
The project required innovative planning, including designing the energy system ahead of full orchard development and installing 19 kilometres of underground high-voltage infrastructure across regional land. The result is a tailored energy solution that supports both operational reliability and long-term growth for Koompartu Farms.
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