West Australian regional power provider Horizon Power has started the next stage of its Onslow microgrid project, which is focused on integrating a high level of renewables with traditional generation.
Image: Horizon Power launches second stage of Onslow microgrid project. Photo: Courtesy of Horizon Power.
Horizon Power said that the stage two of the project includes a renewable energy pilot that is aimed at providing Onslow residents and businesses with access to low-cost solar and battery storage systems.
Under the pilot, Onslow residents and businesses are provided with an opportunity to purchase solar systems or solar and battery systems at lowered costs to maximize renewable energy penetration.
Horizon Power maintains a software platform designed to orchestrate the various energy sources in a coordinated manner, called Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS).
Once installed, the systems are expected to get integrated with DERMS ensuring that renewable energy is maximzed and the systems’ stability is protected.
Horizon Power General Manager Commercial Services and Finance, Sami Zouad said: “The opportunity to access solar and battery systems at a reduced rate would provide Onslow customers with the ability to reduce their own electricity costs, while allowing Horizon Power to demonstrate a high-renewables energy future.
“The work in Onslow, where the sun shines up to 12 hours a day, is helping Horizon Power to prepare for this future.”
The company, in partnership with the Onslow Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is organizing a community launch of the renewable energy pilot, to be held in Onslow on Wednesday, 20 March 2019.
Stage two of the project also includes the construction of a centralized 1MW solar farm and 1MWh network battery, which are expected to be completed in May 2019.
In July 2018, the Stage one of the project was completed, which included the construction and commissioning of a gas-fired power station and associated infrastructure.
Zouad added: “The project delivers on our commitment to the Onslow community and the State, to enable a significant expansion of renewable energy onto our networks which can be managed for the benefit of customers and Horizon Power.
“Our vision is that Onslow will be the beneficiary of a leading edge power system with a high penetration of distributed renewable energy resources.”