MIRABOU ENERGY Project
Torres Strait Renewable Energy Project
A hybrid renewable energy solution designed to reduce CO2 (carbon) emissions, ease cost of living pressures and enhance electricity reliability for communities across the Torres Strait.
About the Project
The Torres Strait Islands, located between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, face unique energy challenges due to their remote location, climate vulnerability, and reliance on costly diesel fueled electricity generation, spanning across five Nations and including 14 main population islands, the regions power networks are owned and operated by Ergon Energy, with diesel fuel delivered via barge and supported from Cairns and Thursday Island.
To address these challenges, Mirabou Energy is partnering with Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC) to deliver a renewable energy solution that aims to:
- Reduce diesel consumption, thus reducing the CO2 emission.
- Enhance the power system reliability
- Reduce the cost of electricity, thus assists in easing costs of living pressure in the community and,
- Provide the communities with increased disaster resilience and preparedness capacity
The project integrates ground-mounted and rooftop solar PVs with community battery and control systems, tailored to each island’s needs.
Mirabou Energy is proudly working with our partners: TSIRC and the Torres Strait communities, as well as Energy Queensland Limited, Ergon Energy and ARENA.
Torres Strait Renewable Energy Project – supporting a more sustainable, resilient and cost-effective energy future for the communities.
Project Overview
- Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia
- 3-year phased rollout
- A hybrid system with rooftop and ground-mounted solar PVs, a community battery, and smart controls, connected to Ergon Energy’s existing network.
- Reduction in CO2 emissions estimated to be 333, 000 tonnes by 2045, equating to approximately 16,500 tonnes per annum
- Reduction in NOx emissions estimated to be 11,000 tonnes by 2045, equating to approximately 550 tonnes per annum
- Reduction in SOx emissions estimated to be 0.68 tonne by 2045, equating to approximately 0.034 tonne per annum
- Significant reduction in diesel
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The project is being implemented across the Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia. These remote, low-lying islands face unique challenges including limited land availability, climate vulnerability, high fuel and energy transport costs and logistical difficulties during the wet season. The solution is specifically designed for these conditions, prioritising rooftop solar on council and community buildings, ground-mounted PV where suitable, and behind- the-meter energy systems with integrated battery and thermal storage to reduce diesel reliance and improve energy resilience.
Led by Mirabou Energy Remote Power Systems’ (MERPS) experienced team, this technical solution has been developed in collaboration with the Torres Strait Island Regional Council (TSIRC), community members, Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) and the Native Title Land Council. Ergon Energy remains responsible for managing their existing grid and diesel generation assets, whilst the behind-the-meter solar and battery systems will be owned by TSIRC and operated by MERPS.
- Ground mounted solar PV on available land
- Commercial solar PV on TSIRC rooftops
- Residential solar PV on TSIRC managed house rooftops
- In-home electrical upgrades (e.g. hot water systems, air-conditioning, solar inverters)
- Smart metering and demand management
- Community-scale battery energy storage
- A digital monitoring/control/scheduling platform to balance renewables with Ergon Energy’s current network assets
The project will be implemented in phases over a minimum five-year period. Initial efforts will focus on installing solar PV systems on the most viable rooftops, followed by retrofitting older buildings. In the final stage, the renewable energy solution will be integrated into all new housing developments as part of standard infrastructure planning.
The project aims to improve energy reliability, reduce household electricity costs, and dramatically cut the Torres Strait Islands’ dependence on diesel and LPG. By integrating renewable energy solutions tailored to local needs, it supports energy independence and cost-of-living relief for remote communities. Crucially, the project aligns with Australia’s climate commitments-targeting a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, while promoting Indigenous-led climate action and long-term energy resilience.