The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has opened a register for householders and other owners of energy-saving solar panels and batteries to join a demonstration version of its ‘virtual power plant’ program.
Head of AEMO’s Emerging Markets and Services, Violette Mouchaileh said the program would test the potential for consumers’ to put their rooftop solar systems, battery storage and controllable load devices to work as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to provide energy and services traditionally performed by conventional electricity generators.
“This initiative contributes to unlocking new value for Australian consumers with DERs, including an estimated two million rooftop solar systems, benefiting all energy users through a more efficient and affordable power system,” Ms Mouchaileh said.
“These demonstrations come at a time when the energy sector is experiencing unprecedented change, moving towards a decentralised generation model.”
She said the Australian energy landscape was transforming faster than most developed economies, creating power-system operation and design challenges, as well as presenting opportunities to create a future world-class power system.
“As the independent energy system and market operator, we believe DER growth can empower consumers to contribute scalable value to our future energy system by joining virtual power plants that actively participate in Australia’s electricity markets,” Ms Mouchaileh said.
“Registrations are open, and we encourage virtual power plants to register to accelerate the shared learning on how to safely and efficiently integrate, operate and regulate these emerging technologies into the national energy market.”
Demonstrations of virtual power plants in action and details of how to register can be accessed at AEMO’s website at this PS News link.
