PowerTec Off-grid Microgrids are proving their value for agricultural operations. With its first irrigation season completed, it is time to share the initial operating results of the Cadell Almond Farm 4.2 MVA off-grid microgrid.
The industrial microgrid supplies power to Australian Farming Services’ operations primarily for irrigation. It was developed, and is owned and operated, by AGL. A 4.2 MVA/4.2 MWh PowerTec PowerCache® Battery Energy Storage System, providing power system strength, together with a PowerTec PaDECS® microgrid edge-control system, forms the linchpin of the off-grid network.
The microgrid began supplying all three pumping stations by the end of September 2024, approximately three months after the start of commissioning of the battery and control systems.
Starting operation during the ramp-up period of the almond tree summer irrigation season, and still subject to some ongoing tuning, the microgrid has already supplied 4.4 GWh between September 2024 and May 2025. This is on track to exceed 90% of its estimated all-time average annual renewable generation target. During the highest irrigation month of March, when pumping operated for nearly 24 hours per day, the system generated 84% of the farm’s energy demand from solar.
32 parallel operating PaDECS® edge-controllers coordinate the microgrid systems to maximise supply resilience and renewable utilisation. Their functionality includes:
- Autonomous HV network switching during contingencies
- Solar generation forecasting
- Advanced model-based control for start-up, shut-down, and load sharing of distributed generation
With the Cadell in robust commercial operation, PowerTec has established itself as Australia’s leading integrated provider of farm microgrid technology. Stay tuned as the Cadell microgrid realises further performance enhancements!
Drone video footage by AGL.