Essential Energy supports RACE for 2030 project to advance microgrid development  

25 November, 2025 — RACE for 2030 is pleased to announce the launch of an innovative project focused on the development of connected and islandable microgrids within the Australian distribution network.  

In collaboration with the project’s key partners, Essential Energy and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the project is developing islandable microgrids, that aim to improve security of supply, reduce costs related to network augmentation and maintenance, and promote economic activity.  

“This project offers a unique opportunity to uncover valuable insights into the social, technical, and regulatory factors shaping microgrid deployment, paving the way for smarter and more sustainable energy solutions,” said Mike Roberts, the project Chief Investigator from UNSW. 

“This initiative enables us to explore innovative solutions for energy distribution while addressing the challenges of integrating microgrids into the broader system.  

By collaborating with UNSW and key stakeholders, we aim to uncover strategies that drive sustainability, improve energy security, and help shape a more adaptive regulatory framework,” said Cory Urquhart, Head of Network Strategy and Future Networks from Essential Energy. 

The goal is to shape best practices for community engagement and inform future regulatory approaches for microgrid projects. 

The project aims to increase network reliability and resilience, enhance the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Customer Energy Resources (CER), and support Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions. 

The research builds upon the foundation of the Essential Energy’s accelerated roll-out of reliability-driven microgrids. The project will analyse regulatory barriers, community motivations, expectations and responses to microgrid technologies in two pilot areas.  

The research offers the opportunity to develop insights and policy recommendations to support networks, which will help overcome existing barriers and increase stakeholder understanding, of network-led microgrids.  

About RACE for 2030 CRC 

RACE for 2030 CRC is a 10-year co-operative research centre with $350 million of resources to fund research towards a reliable affordable, and clean energy future. 

About Essential Energy 

Essential Energy is one of Australia’s leading electricity distribution network service providers (DNSP) committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to communities across regional, rural and remote New South Wales. The microgrid program is part of Essential Energy’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and support Australia’s renewable energy transformation. 

About UNSW 

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a global leader in research and education, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainability and clean energy technologies. UNSW’s involvement in this project brings academic expertise and cutting-edge research capabilities to drive the development of innovative solutions for Australia’s energy future. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Katherine Seddon, Marketing and Communications Manager, RACE for 2030 

Katherine.seddon@racefor2030.com.au 

Anne Keen, Media and Communications Manager. Essential Energy media@essentialenergy.com.au