NT’s First Virtual Power Plant Trial Commences

A Virtual Power Plant initiative kicked off in Alice Springs yesterday – the Solar Connect VPP.

A VPP is usually comprised of a network of solar power and battery systems installed at various locations, but may also include other energy generation resources and controlled loads such as electric hot water systems.

All the resources participating in a Virtual Power Plant are co-ordinated by a central operator. The operator releases energy stored in batteries into the grid during when its needed, or charges batteries when demand is low to prepare for such a time; or to avoid the risks of grid demand so low it threatens the stability of a network.

Various programs have popped up around Australia – you can check out SQ’s VPP comparison table here. Whether solar/battery owners should join one is another matter, and we’ve listed some VPP pros and cons here.

Regardless of where VPP offers stand currently, they will evolve and Virtual Power Plants become increasingly common. Another has just been added and it’s Northern Territory’s first; the Alice Springs Solar Connect VPP.

The initiative is part of the Alice Springs Future Grid project we’ve mentioned previously. The program is seeking to remove barriers to renewable energy penetration in the region’s power system and help it towards a target of 50% renewables by 2030.

Approximately 50 Jacana residential energy customers are part of Solar Connect, most of whom have rooftop solar panels and a home battery. Participants have been supplied a SwitchDin Droplet and energy monitoring where required; provided free of charge as part of the trial.

“The VPP will help stabilise the power grid and reduce household dependence on energy from centralised electricity generators,” said NT Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo (above right). “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.”

Alice Springs VPP A Test-Bed For The Nation

Future Grid Project Director Lyndon Frearson (above left) says the Alice Springs trial will be of interest to industry across Australia.

“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.”

Future Grid wraps up next year, with findings from its various projects to be included in the Roadmap to 2030 report.

Further information on Alice Springs Future Grid can be found here, and Solar Connect here. At the time of writing, the VPP page seems to indicate households with either rooftop solar, or solar with a battery system can still apply to join the Virtual Power Plant. But that may no longer be the case given the trial has begun. I’ve emailed the Future Grid folks for clarification, and will update this post when/if they reply.

Update 8:30AM: I’ve been informed applications for the Solar Connect VPP are still being taken on a case-by-case basis.

Original Source: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/solar-connect-vpp-mb2666/