Two remote communities in northern Australia, Urlampe Station and Sweers Island, have switched to solar power to enhance food security and reduce energy expenses during cyclone and flood seasons. This transition offers a sustainable solution to their unique challenges, ensuring a more reliable food supply and lower operational costs.
Two remote communities in northern Australia have embraced solar power to bolster food security and reduce energy costs during the challenging cyclone and flood seasons. Urlampe Station, situated on the edge of the Northern Territory's Simpson Desert, faces the annual predicament of being cut off by floods for up to four months.
The station, managed by traditional owners Allan Rankine and Shirley Dempsey, relied on conventional fridges that frequently malfunctioned during the scorching summer temperatures, leading to spoilage and rationing of perishable goods. The installation of a solar-powered coolroom and battery storage system has revolutionized food storage for the five households on the station. The coolroom, partially funded by the Central Land Council and an Aboriginals Benefit Account grant, allows residents to stock up for extended periods, ensuring a more stable food supply even during the wet season. Meanwhile, Sweers Island, a remote island resort in the Gulf of Carpentaria, has also made the switch to solar power. Mick McConachy, the owner, replaced a diesel generator system with a full solar setup to curb the exorbitant power bill. The island, lacking any shops, relies on shipping for materials, making careful planning essential for any construction project. The solar installation, costing around $300,000, is projected to pay for itself within three years, offering long-term cost savings and a sustainable energy solution.The Bureau of Meteorology is currently monitoring several tropical lows in the north that have the potential to develop into cyclones, a situation that usually triggers anxiety in these remote communities. However, the presence of solar-powered coolrooms provides them with the confidence to stock up and weather any potential storms
SOLAR ENERGY FOOD SECURITY REMOTE COMMUNITIES AUSTRALIA CYCLONES FLOODS SUSTAINABILITY
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