Published on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 12:53:28 PM
A major milestone has been reached at Geraldton Airport with the completion of an innovative microgrid project designed to ensure regional connectivity and ongoing support of essential services in the Midwest.
Providing reliable, green energy the state-of-the-art microgrid allows the Geraldton Airport Precinct, one of the first in regional Australia, to run independently off the grid on solar and battery power.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said the completion of the project is a significant achievement for the City demonstrating its commitment to delivering sustainable and resilient services.
“Geraldton Airport is a critical community asset and this investment helps safeguard its ability to continue supporting regional connectivity, aviation services, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and State Emergency Service operations,” he said.
"This project also represents another substantial step in the City's journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
“I’d like to thank the Australian Government for its funding contribution to this project, which has enabled the delivery of future-focused infrastructure that will benefit our region for decades to come.”
UON Executive Chairman Mark Keogh said the microgrid was designed, built and integrated end to end by UON's team in Western Australia, from the solar arrays and battery storage through to the management software that ties it all together.
"Geraldton Airport's power system now operates through a microgrid that combines solar power, battery storage and intelligent controls. This allows the airport to make the most of renewable energy while maintaining a reliable power supply, with both UON and the City able to monitor system performance in real time, around the clock," he said.
"Every part of this system, including the software that controls it, was developed here in Australia. That matters because the knowledge stays here, it supports local engineering through the energy transition, and it creates real opportunities for the next generation of Australians wanting to build careers in this space.
“UON will continue supporting the system for the City well beyond installation.”
Construction of the $6 million project was funded in part by a $2 million grant from the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Ready Fund with the support of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
This program aligns with the Leading theme of the City’s Strategic Community Plan which reflects the organisation’s commitment to efficiently and effectively delivering community services.
For more information on the microgrid project, head to the City’s website.
Photo Caption: City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune and UON Executive Chairman Mark Keogh officially open the Geraldton Airport Microgrid.
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