As the Northern Territory (NT) Government intensifies its ambitions for a future powered by renewable energy, smart technology that regulates energy flow on power networks may soon become standard in the NT.
A pilot starting today in Alice Springs will assess the economic and energy efficiency of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
Using smart technology, the VPP is a collection of solar and battery storage technologies that govern energy flow to and from power networks.
Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said through several renewable energy projects across the NT, the NT Government is ensuring a future powered by green energy.
“The VPP will help stabilise the power grid and reduce household dependence on energy from centralised electricity generators. We know lessons learnt through this project will help inform our future electricity system plans, and it is encouraging to see Alice Springs locals contributing to this bank of knowledge through their participation in this innovative trial,” Minister Uibo stated.
The trial will produce data and lessons that can be used to inform how small-scale generation can reliably and securely contribute energy into the electricity system to meet security and network needs; assisting in meeting peak energy needs when needed through coordinated despatch of stored solar energy; and supporting consideration of a framework to unleash value for customers from their solar/battery systems.
The trial has about 50 participants, most of whom are household energy users with solar PV on their roofs and solar batteries.
The Alice Springs Future Grid, a whole-of-systems initiative looking at how Alice Springs may attain 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, includes several trials, simulations, and investigations, including the Solar Connect VPP.
Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA), which is collaborating with a number of business organisations to implement the VPP trial, is in charge of managing the delivery of the Future Grid project.
DKA Chansey Paech said supporting the Territory’s goals for renewable energy is one of Desert Knowledge Australia’s main focus areas.
“The Intyalheme Centre for Future Energy is leading the Alice Springs Future Gris project as part of its quest to energise Central Australia’s renewable energy,” Paech stated.
Paech added residents gain a sense of ownership and a role in creating the town’s clean energy future through local engagement in the VPP pilot.
These organisations include the Arid Lands Environment Centre, Jacana Energy, the Alice Springs-based technical consulting firm Ekistica, and Power and Water Corporation, which has incorporated the VPP into its electrical grid. To establish the VPP, SwitchDin has developed technology that connects solar and battery systems throughout the municipality.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Australian Government, and the NT Government all endorse Future Grid. The Roadmap to 2030 report will incorporate the results when it is finished next year.
Future Grid Project Director Lyndon Fearson said that in addition to Solar Connect showcasing a portion of what a local renewable energy future might include, businesses from all over Australia are closely monitoring what transpires on the grid here in Alice Springs.
“That’s because this small but complex electricity system represents something of a test bed for larger grids. It has characteristics of larger grids, but the effects of interventions – such as a VPP – are easier to see, making it quicker and easier to learn what works and what is less effective,” Fearson added.
