A north-west Queensland grazier will be the “guinea pig” in a renewable energy trial set to kick off next month.

A self-sufficient hybrid renewable energy pod, which arrived at Townsville Port today, will be tested in a one-year trial as part of a $100,000 joint venture between the State Government, McKinlay Shire Council and the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone.

Port of Townsville chief executive officer Ranee Crosby said the arrival of a new class of renewable energy cargo in the port was exciting.

“Growing container trade has been powered by imports of solar project cargo, and it is wonderful to see new technologies in the renewable sector being shipped through Townsville Port destined for communities in our region,” she said.

State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said the power pod, equipped with solar panels, a battery and a generator, would supply a McKinlay Shire grazier with off-the-grid renewable energy, in a bid to offer more reliable and affordable electricity for rural properties.

“This project is a fantastic example of the innovative ideas getting off the ground thanks to the Government’s Remote Area Board fund,” Mr Dick said.

IMAGE: Port of Townsville chief financial officer David Sibley with David Glasson from MITEZ and Ergon Energy’s Mark Biffanti. Photo: Budd Photography