The Australian Government is investing over $1 million in SA Power Networks’ Market Active Solar Trial.
The project will assist in regulating the oversupply of power on the grid from small-scale solar.
The $2.1 million project will see project partners AGL Energy and Simply Energy showcase the commercial use of two innovative technology models for managing distributed energy resources for consumers who opt-in to the trial.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister stated that the initiative was an excellent investment in local innovation and an opportunity for Australians to get the most bang for their buck from rooftop solar.
“We want to make sure that when consumers are putting solar back into the grid, it is used optimally. This is about balancing supply and demand on our electricity grid, which aims to deliver greater stability and, in turn, lower costs for households and businesses,” Assistant Minister McAllister said.
According to Assistant Minister McAllister, the initiative provides greater flexibility and a more cost-effective method of reducing grid load during peak periods, lowering energy prices and making the grid more secure.
Rooftop solar is South Australia’s biggest electricity generator. Throughout the pilot, customers will be rewarded for allowing their solar to be responsive to wholesale energy market pricing and lowering their solar exports to ensure grid security.
If the solutions are effective, they might be expanded to other states and distributed energy resources, strengthening renewables in the National Electricity Market and unlocking additional advantages. Field trials are set to begin in late 2023, with the project set to be finished in late 2024.
