JCU Orpheus Island Research Station
Islanded Micro-grid Supporting Research for the Great Barrier Reef
Orpheus island is 11km long and 1km wide and is surrounded by 1,300 hectares of pristine national park and coral reefs. The island is completely vehicle-free and offers an unspoilt encounter with iconic Australian eucalyptus forests, beautiful bush-walks and scenic lookouts.
One of the main sites on the island is James Cook University’s Orpheus Island Research station. This scientific resource hub provides educators, researchers, and students access the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine.
Orpheus Island Research Station was not connected to the mainland grid supply and had to rely on a diesel power station consisting of 3 x 70kW diesel gen sets for their power. JCU wanted to explore a renewable energy solution which would reduce the cost of electricity generation while ensuring a secure and reliable power supply to support the site’s multiple facility requirements. The aim was to eventually ‘eliminate the need for fossil fuel power generation on-site’.
- Location:
- Orpheus Island, Palm Island Australia QLD 4816 (near Lucinda)
- Project:
- James Cook University (JCU)Orpheus Island Research Station
- Solution:
- 70kW PV Solar + 100kVA/150kWh AC Coupled Powercore Energy Storage System
- Commissioned:
- March 2019
