Project Details
| Where | Ranku, Bathurst Island, Tiwi Islands NT |
| Client | Ranku General Store |
| Year | 2018 |
Steps towards sustainability
The Store and Club were on the local Ranku mini grid, which uses a large diesel generator to generate electricity for the community. The Store’s kWh tariff was over 40 cents per kWh, which was prohibitive for the continued sustainability of the Store and Club. If it were to close, the nearest store would be at Wurrimiyanga about 64.7 km over rough roads, making access difficult especially in the wet season. Less people would be content to stay on country.
Outcomes
Total Solar/Storage: 31.2 kW solar + 168kWhr with 83.4kWhr usable storage at 60% D.O.D.
- Potential Energy Consumption Offset: up to 90% +
Reduced costs works towards the sustainability of the Community Store + reduces the subsidy the Tiwi Islands Regional Council has had to provide to ensure a price of only .41 cents/kWh for the Store - During the install, 7 locals received training in working at heights + for White Card and 4 worked on the project + were trained in installing solar panels; 1 apprentice taken on full time; 30 staff trained in Cultural Awareness Program
- Various Indigenous businesses were engaged in the project as suppliers or service providers
- When the Community downsizes its generator to meet its new net needs, now that the Store and Club are energy independent, it will greatly reduce air pollution + carbon emissions
Indigenous employment
During the install, 7 locals received training in working at heights for White Card and 4 worked on the project and were trained in installing solar panels.
1 apprentice taken on full time.
Sustainable impact
The Store was threatened with closure due to excessive electricity tariffs. This project underpins the sustainability not only of the Store and Club but also of the community itself.
Renewable power is another step in the long term strategic plan towards sustainability.
