South Australian trial provides blueprint for VPP integration
Australia’s record-breaking uptake of small-scale rooftop solar and growing interest in home battery systems almost guarantee virtual power plants (VPP) will play a key role in the nation’s energy system into the future and Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has identified the “blueprint” for their successful integration into the grid.
WA announces state’s largest VPP pilot, allocating $35m
Western Australia’s government has today announced plans to construct what will be the state’s largest VPP to be hosted in the Perth suburb Southern River.
Global companies win award for Australian VPP grid support program
Enel X, a subsidiary of Italian utility company Enel, has won the Mission Critical Tech Innovation Award at the global Datacenter Dynamic Awards 2020 for its virtual power plant (VPP) grid support program in Australia.
‘Disrupters’ tip Australia to become world’s biggest VPP in 2021
As Australia’s home battery market begins to catch up to its install residential solar capacity the opportunity for large-scale virtual power plants is verging on reality. Indeed, Solar Service Group’s new Solar + Battery Members’ Plan could see Australia host the world’s largest virtual power plant next year.
AGL expands VPP with solar battery sales to eastern states
AGL Energy has expanded its solar battery VPP to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with the immediate launch of solar battery sales for residents of the eastern states, while solar and battery bundles will be available by the end of the year.
Hobsons Bay City Council set to become first Melbourne metro council to start a VPP
Hobsons Bay City Council is accelerating its Large Scale Solar Installation Program with a Virtual Power Plant to enable the sharing of solar generated energy around the Council’s assets. Going forward, Council wants to see its VPP expanded to include the vast array of members in its community.
SA social housing to become world’s biggest VPP
3,000 social housing properties in South Australia are to be transformed into the world’s largest virtual power plant (VPP). Tesla has picked up a grants ARENA and the SA Government, and an investment from CEFC to execute the $60.6 million project, which is intended to deliver lower electricity costs for residents and a more stable grid.
Kalgoorlie high school set to be first in Schools VPP pilot project
The Schools Virtual Power Plant pilot project, part of the WA Government’s $66.3 million investment in solar and batteries in its WA Recovery Plan from the impacts of Covid-19, will see ten schools transformed into VPPs. The two year trial is expected to bring reduced electricity bills to schools, improved grid stability, and increased solar uptake in the local community.
Redflow batteries to add VPP capabilities
Brisbane-based battery supplier Redflow has joined forces with smart energy system company carbonTRACK to add virtual power plant functionality to its flow batteries.
Evergen partners with Ausgrid in phase two of battery VPP project to test consumer engagement
Evergen, Australia’s fastest growing renewable energy software provider, has partnered with Ausgrid to participate in its Battery Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Trial which is part of its broader Power2U Program that seeks to provide more choice to customers about the way they use their energy in their home to reduce their energy costs. Evergen has joined phase two of the project, which will expand the scope and scale of the VPP, enable more choice for consumers and help shape the future of energy.
