Smart technology that controls energy flow on power grids could soon be the norm in the NT as the Territory Labor Government ramps up plans for a renewable energy future. In a Territory first, a trial launched in Alice Springs today will test the economic and energy efficiency of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP).

The VPP is a collection of solar and battery storage systems that uses smart technology to control energy flow to and from power grids.

The trial will provide data and learnings to:

• inform how small-scale generation can reliably and securely contribute energy to the electricity system to meet security and network needs;
• assist in meeting peak electricity demand when needed through the coordinated dispatch of stored solar energy; and
• support consideration of a framework to unlock value for customers from their solar/battery systems.

About 50 participants are involved in the trial, most of whom are residential energy customers with rooftop solar PV and a solar battery.

The Solar Connect VPP is just one of a series of trials, models and investigations that form Alice Springs Future Grid – a whole-of-system project considering how Alice Springs can achieve 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Delivery of the Future Grid project is coordinated by Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA), which works with a range of industry groups to deliver the VPP trial.

These include Alice Springs-based technical consultancy firm Ekistica, the Arid Lands Environment Centre, Jacana Energy, and Power and Water Corporation which has integrated the VPP into its electricity system. SwitchDin has provided technology that links solar and battery systems across the town to create the VPP.

Future Grid is supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Australian Government and the Territory Labor Government. It is due to conclude next year, with findings to be included in the Roadmap to 2030 report.

“The Territory Labor Government is delivering a green energy future through a range of renewable projects across the NT,” Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo says.

“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.”