Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander AO today joined AusNet Services Managing Director Nino Ficca and Mondo Executive General Manager Chad Hymas to officially turn the first sod on the $30 million Renewable Energy Microgrid set to power the University’s Waurn Ponds Campus.

Deakin is partnering with AusNet Services and Mondo to develop an industrial-scale microgrid energy system to provide an integrated research and education platform, and contribute to the University’s sustainability goals.

The project is underpinned by a 14.5 hectare solar energy farm with a one megawatt central battery and integrates rooftop solar panels and smaller batteries across the campus. The microgrid project is expected to be completed late this year.

Construction is set to begin as soon as possible and is being undertaken by Victorian companies which is already resulting in local employment that will raise workers’ skill levels in globally relevant jobs.

“The partnership with AusNet Services would help build Deakin’s and the energy provider’s capacities as leaders in the development of innovative energy systems, while also enabling the University to reduce its carbon footprint.“

Professor Jane den Hollander AO, Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University