Networks Renewed

Networks Renewed was a $5 million (AUD) trial that aimed to prove that rooftop solar could be an asset, not a problem, for the electricity grid. The trial investigated non-network alternatives for providing voltage support using smart inverters connected to solar PV and battery storage. The project proved that smart inverters have the capability to control solar and batteries to improved voltage on the electricity grid. Its success opens the door to a suite of new business opportunities based on the premise that rooftop solar can be an asset to everyone.

 

Highlights

• The project demonstrated that advanced, distributed control of inverter-connected resources, such as rooftop solar, can have a positive impact on voltage in the low voltage (LV) network, make economic sense for distribution system operators (DSOs), and be attractive for consumers.
• The aim of the trial was to understand the extent to which residential solar panels, battery storage and inverters can manage voltage in distribution networks via real and reactive power, and to develop a framework for mainstreaming network support solutions sourced from distributed energy resources in general.

 

About the practice

Networks Renewed had two phases: a pilot-scale demonstration in 2017-18 to test potential voltage control algorithms at a relatively small scale; followed by a market-scale demonstration to ramp up the deployment to deliver significant network impact in 2018-19. The trial recruited 90 customers under innovative business models that were developed with the DSOs and other partners.

The project’s major achievement was that it proved that both solar and batteries can support network voltage. And the voltage correction can be enough to avoid other investments in the network. The other lessons that were learned along the way were:

1. It is possible to control individual household systems within the complex operation systems of DSOs. Widespread use requires more familiarity, standards, and integration.
2. Customers were paid fairly for their part in the trial. But it is not clear how much customers will be paid if the option was made commercial.
3. Customers liked the trial and are keen to more proactively manage their energy. Nonetheless customer engagement for new energy technologies could be improved. The project team are now bringing together a broader partnership to pave a pathway to make the customer-centred energy transition a reality.

 

Find out more

Networks Renewed was led by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) of the University of Technology Sydney and funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. The project partners included three DSOs (Essential Energy, AusNet Services and United Energy), two service aggregators (Reposit Power and Mondo Power), the Australian PV Institute and the New South Wales and Victorian state governments.