Enabled by Horizon Power’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), Smart Connect Solar has been completed ahead of schedule, enabling the regional energy provider to achieve its strategic goal of ensuring there are zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025.

Related article: Smart Connect Solar technology expands to Broome

The program has now been expanded to all towns in Horizon Power’s service area. The technology is providing thousands more households and businesses, in Horizon Power’s service area, with the opportunity to install rooftop solar and access the benefits of renewable energy.

Smart Connect Solar has delivered critical technical capabilities enabling Horizon Power to remove solar hosting capacity constraints. Previously, the number of solar installations had to be limited to ensure the security and reliability of power supply.

DERMS technology analyses weather patterns, power system conditions and renewable energy resources and uses this data to coordinate power flows to ensure the electricity network can operate safely and reliably at all times—maximising renewable energy output and benefits for Horizon Power’s customers.

In addition to rooftop solar, DERMS will enable Horizon Power to safely and reliably integrate and balance energy across customer energy resources like batteries and electric vehicles.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “Horizon Power established the strategic goal of zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025, to solve the technical challenges preventing customer access to rooftop solar.

Related article: Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar expands to NWIS

“Achieving this goal creates more customer choice to participate in renewable energy and ways to reduce energy bills. The advanced DERMS technology underpinning Smart Connect Solar will also improve the safety and stability of our systems as they evolve to incorporate greater levels of clean energy.

“We are proud to have completed the roll-out of Smart Connect Solar ahead of schedule, so that thousands of additional customers can reap the benefits of renewables, including reduced energy bills, earlier than expected.”

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Horizon Power is using state-of-the-art technology, known as a Distributed Energy Management System (DERMS), to increase access to renewable energy for these towns, while improving the safety and stability of the state’s electricity network.

Related article: Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar expands to NWIS

Horizon Power’s DERMS utilises analytics to consider weather patterns, power system conditions and renewable energy resources. The technology’s advanced algorithms then use this data to coordinate and dynamically optimise the power system to maximise renewable energy and benefits for our customers.

This innovative approach ensures the power system remains safe and secure and enables the removal of hosting capacity constraints in regional towns, which have previously limited the number of solar installations.

Smart Connect Solar is providing thousands of additional residential and business customers the opportunity to install rooftop solar and realise energy bill savings.

By September 2024, the technology will have been delivered to all towns in Horizon Power’s service area. This includes towns in the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne, Mid West and the Esperance and Goldfields regions.

Smart Connect Solar was launched in Carnarvon in February. Since then, it has expanded to towns in the North West Interconnected System (NWIS), including Karratha, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Point Samson, Cossack and Roebourne, and has been introduced to 20 towns in the Kimberley, Gascoyne and Mid West and Esperance and Goldfields regions.

Related article: Horizon Power trial to test vehicle-to-grid charging potential

In May 2024, the technology was also introduced in Broome, providing more than 6000 homes and businesses in the Kimberley town with the option to install rooftop solar.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “Smart Connect Solar provides us with critical technical capabilities so we can deliver on our commitment of ensuring there are zero customer refusals when connecting rooftop solar by 2025, across our networks.”

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The program has awarded almost $4.5 million to more than 450 initiatives in regional WA since 2020.

Related article: Applications open for Horizon Power’s community grants

Recipients of the latest round include the Country Women’s Association in Derby, Carnarvon Golf Club and Esperance Soccer Association, with the funding to support upgrading their club facilities to better serve their members.

Events such as the Meekatharra Outback Festival, Denham’s Beats in the Bay and the Munumburra Festival in Wyndham will also receive funding.

Meanwhile, the state’s diversity will be celebrated with support for initiatives such as the Pilbara Pride Festival in Port Hedland and the Kepa Kurl Youth NAIDOC Ball in Esperance.

The state government, through Horizon Power, provides $1.1 million each financial year to regional community initiatives and events, with $542,575 awarded to 66 regional organisations in October 2023.

Applications for the program’s next round will open in mid-July, with further details available here.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “Horizon Power values its relationships with passionate community members and organisations in our regions.

“These community members are responsible for developing and delivering innovative grassroots programs and events which are making a valuable contribution to our regions.

Related article: ActewAGL opens 2024 Community Grants program

“Our Community Partnerships Program enables these initiatives to deliver positive outcomes and empower our communities.”

The full list of recipients is available here.

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The state-of-the-art technology is increasing access to renewable energy in towns in regional Western Australia, while improving the safety and stability of the state’s electricity network. It is part of a state-wide program which was launched by Horizon Power in February.

Related article: Energy bill relief for vulnerable West Kimberley households

Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar project removes hosting capacity constraints in Broome, which have previously limited the number of solar installations across the town.

This will provide thousands of additional customers the opportunity to install rooftop solar and realise energy bill savings, while improving the safety and stability of the state’s electricity network.

In March 2022, Broome reached capacity for the number of rooftop solar systems it could safely have on the network without it becoming unstable from too much solar. The Smart Connect Solar technology will provide more than 6,000 homes and businesses in the Kimberley town with the option to install rooftop solar and realise energy bill savings.

Smart Connect Solar launched in February in Carnarvon. Last month, the technology was rolled out to Karratha, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Point Samson, Cossack and Roebourne, in the Pilbara.

It was also introduced to 20 towns in the Kimberley, Mid West and Gascoyne and Esperance and Goldfields regions. This included Derby, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Lombadina, Kalumburu, Warmun, Coral Bay, Cue, Meekatharra, Wiluna, Yalgoo, Hopetoun, Laverton, Leonora, Norseman, Camballin, Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay, Bidyadanga and Nullagine.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “The demand for solar has been high in Broome and having the hosting constraints removed will mean thousands of additional customers will have the opportunity to benefit from rooftop solar.

Related article: Horizon Power’s Smart Connect Solar expands to NWIS

“Since its launch in February, Smart Connect Solar has quickly extended to towns across our footprint, including those in the NWIS and a further 20 towns. Our next step is to introduce the technology to Exmouth, Sandstone, Denham, Gascoyne Junction and Mount Magnet, which will happen in Q3 2024.

“By the end of the year, we will have deployed this cutting-edge technology to all our service areas, so that thousands of additional Western Australians can reap the benefits of rooftop solar.”

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Horizon Power is conducting the trial, which is Western Australia’s first trial of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability to test the capability of its management system and to allow EVs to act as mobile energy storage solutions.

Related article: Energy bill relief for vulnerable West Kimberley households

If successful, V2G could help power homes, reduce power bills, and stabilise the electricity grid.

Horizon Power will commence the 12-month trial this month, in partnership with the Gascoyne Development Commission, Shire of Exmouth, Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and WA Country Health Service, which operates Exmouth Hospital.

Each will receive a Nissan Leaf EV equipped with V2G smart-charging equipment and will be encouraged to use the vehicles as normal.

Exmouth was selected as its tourism-reliant economy means energy consumption fluctuates due to daily and seasonal demand, especially during school holiday periods.

The trial’s outcomes will enable Horizon Power to understand how automated orchestration of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) assets can help increase and optimise the use of renewable energy through EVs while maintaining network reliability.

Jet Charge will supply the V2G WallBox Quasar smart charger to be used for the trial, with a local Exmouth electrical contractor to provide support and maintenance for it as required.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “As EV ownership increases, orchestration of DER, represents one of the largest enablers of the energy transition.

Related article: V2G virtual power plant begins operation at Flinders Uni

“The EV Orchestration Trial will provide us with valuable insights around whether our customers’ next cars can help power their homes, keep downward pressure on their power bills and help stabilise our electricity grid.

“Horizon Power is committed to exploring this innovative technology to provide customers with more choice and to prepare for the anticipated increase in power supply in response to residential, fleet, and visitor EV charging needs within regional WA.”

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Related article: WA’s Virtual Power Plant to the rescue during heatwave

Smart Connect Solar technology uses a Distributed Energy Resource (DER) management system that enables the coordination of high levels of solar energy on the network, which will enable thousands of additional customers in Carnarvon to install rooftop solar while maintaining network safety and stability.

This will eliminate solar installation capacity constraints in Carnarvon and other towns and enable more customers throughout regional WA to access rooftop solar.

In 2019, Horizon Power became the first Australian utility to deploy the technology in a regional microgrid, using it to coordinate customer solar with utility-owned renewables to help power the town of Onslow.

It was also able to use the system to power the town with 100% renewables for approximately 80 minutes.

Smart Connect Solar will be deployed to all of Horizon Power’s service areas, including the Pilbara, Kimberley, Gascoyne, Mid West and Goldfields regions, by the end of 2024.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “We are excited to launch Smart Connect Solar into Carnarvon, the first town in the roll out of this innovative technology to our customers across regional Western Australia.

“Our customers are an integral part of our future energy systems, and we are committed to bringing all of them along on this clean energy transition journey.

“Overcoming the technical barriers that prevented more customer renewable energy generation is a significant milestone. It means more of our customers now have access to solar and can reap the benefits of renewable energy, including reduced energy bills.

Related article: Spotlight On: Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin

“The system will also improve stability and therefore reliability of the electricity network, while supporting the state government’s carbon emission goals and our 2025 target of zero refusals when connecting solar.”

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Unwin replaces Zia Huque, general partner of Prime Movers Lab, which led Energy Vault’s Series C investment round.

Related article: Spotlight On: Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin

Unwin is recognised as a dynamic leader within the energy and renewables sectors, and was recently named one of Western Australia’s most influential business leaders in Business News’ Power 500.

Energy Vault chair and CEO Robert Piconi said, “We are excited to welcome Stephanie, who brings to our Board a strong track record of dynamic, results-driven leadership in the energy and renewables sector.

“As we continue to accelerate deployments of Energy Vault’s suite of short, long and ultra-long energy storage solutions across the globe, we are engaging in significant growth opportunities in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Stephanie’s energy sector experience regionally, combined with her operating experience and track record of leading large enterprises through growth and transformational phases, is recognised in the industry.

Related article: Energy Vault to build BESS at Meadow Creek Solar Farm

“On behalf of the board of directors of Energy Vault, we look forward to partnering with Stephanie and her future contributions to our Board as we continue to execute our global growth plans.”

Energy Vault develops and deploys utility-scale energy storage solutions designed to transform the world’s approach to sustainable energy storage. The company’s offerings include proprietary gravity-based storage, battery storage, and green hydrogen energy storage technologies.

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Horizon Power chair Samantha Tough said Unwin was “successfully leading Horizon Power as it navigates the rapidly changing energy landscape, driving meaningful cultural change, while strongly positioning the organisation to deliver on its long-term strategy and business objectives”.

Related article: Spotlight On: Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin

“The next few years will be vitally important as we lead the way in WA’s decarbonisation journey, providing cleaner energy solutions for our regional and remote customers,” Tough explained.

“The Board is delighted Stephanie will be remaining with us and have full confidence that she will continue leading with integrity, commitment and passion.”

Unwin said she was thrilled the Board had offered her the opportunity to extend her tenure as CEO of Horizon Power, a decision which has been endorsed by the Minister for Energy Hon. Bill Johnston, MLA.

“I am so proud of our entire team and the way they consistently bring their passion and innovative thinking to help us deliver a cleaner energy future for our customers, while supporting the growth of vibrant regional communities,” she said.

“We are solving real problems in each of our communities right across WA, and I am proud of the work we do to deliver meaningful programs and initiatives which support our customers.”

Related article: WA EV Network’s first DC fast charger in the Gascoyne

Unwin said it was an exciting time to be in the energy industry and she was privileged to work with some of the best and brightest in the energy sector at Horizon Power.

“Helping shape a new energy landscape for regional and remote WA means we have a busy and challenging time ahead. We have a decarbonisation agenda that reflects the state’s ambition, and this sees us transitioning some of our biggest emitting systems while ensuring we don’t leave anyone behind.”

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Australia’s only vertically integrated energy utility, Horizon Power, designs and delivers adapted solutions which respond to the unique challenges faced by those living and working in regional and remote Western Australia.

As CEO, Stephanie Unwin is passionate about delivering better outcomes for customers, communities and the environment. With a law and economics background, Unwin has worked her way up in the industry with determination and purpose, with previous roles including executive and advisory positions at Verve Energy (now Synergy), Zenith Energy, ARENA, CSIRO, and Energy Networks Australia.

This, she explains, has given her valuable insight and understanding of the complexities faced at Horizon Power in providing electricity to remote geographical areas with small customer bases.

“Our customers live and work across 2.3 million square kilometres, which makes us responsible for delivering energy solutions across the largest geographical catchment of any Australian power provider—and I am acutely aware how important reliable and affordable power is to both the regional economic development and the quality of life in regional towns,” Unwin says.

“Remote regional towns are really close to my heart. I was born in New Zealand but by the time I was four I had moved to the regional mining town of Paraburdoo in the Pilbara. I then spent time in Tom Price and Karratha before heading to Darwin.

“I have been with Horizon Power for four years now, which have been the most joyful of my working life. I am really fortunate to have such purpose in the work we do each day.”

Related article: Horizon Power purchases vanadium flow battery

A power pioneer—overcoming remote and regional WA’s unique challenges

Covering the largest geographical area of any Australian power provider and operating outside the National Electricity Market (NEM), Unwin says one of the biggest challenges for Horizon Power is not being interconnected like its eastern counterparts.

“The states and territories operating within the NEM send in their energy when they’ve got extra and then take it when they need it. They have access to different sources of generation at different times of the day in different parts of Australia. So, if the sun’s not shining somewhere, it’s likely to be shining somewhere else—and the same goes for wind,” she explains.

“Conversely, we have a whole bunch of smaller systems that are responsible for themselves —and you don’t get to rely on another system hundreds of kilometres away to provide your generation. Rather, the systems are typically powered by one generation source and have to be self-sustaining.

“I can’t see us ever joining up to the NEM. With Western Australia’s size and population, we can continue operating within the current model without needing to disrupt the local environment and biodiversity in that way.”

Unwin says another challenge, which is also being experienced in the larger systems within the NEM, is the rapidly growing demand for rooftop solar.

“I think across the industry we’re all grappling with how quickly we’ve seen the rise in the desire to have rooftop solar, which brings with it a consequential impact of intermittency and a need to solve the critical issue of storage.

“These problems are common to all of us. It’s just a matter of scale.”

Asked what she sees as the biggest challenges and opportunities for utilities in the current market, Unwin says the future lies in electric vehicle (EV) uptake and integration.

“EVs are a demand source for energy. I think they will fundamentally change the way customers behave with their vehicles. They could also be part of grid stability, as can their behind-the-meter batteries. And the timing with which they charge can really help soak up lots of excess energy at the time you need to soak it up, depending on where you are around the state and whatever the source is.”

Milestones so far

Asked about some of the most memorable milestones she’s experienced during her tenure at Horizon Power, Unwin speaks with pride about the Esperance Energy Transition Project.

“On behalf of the State Government, we supported the transition of about 400 customers in Esperance from reticulated gas to an alternative energy source. This project came about after the independent power provider decided to stop supplying reticulated gas in Esperance,” she says.

“The work our team did to create a human-centred design and provide such important hands-on support for our customers throughout this journey was incredible. They navigated huge logistical challenges in such a short timeframe—bringing trades together, educating customers on new energy sources, and successfully delivering the project before the cessation of gas. I am so proud of the team and what they were able to achieve.
The vast majority of customers successfully transitioned by the end of March, with the Esperance Energy Transition Project serving as a blueprint for other electrification works around the country.

“I am also really proud we are now serving Esperance with higher levels of renewable energy, delivering a long-term power solution for the community, through our Esperance Power Station.

“There have been some days in May and June this year where our use of renewables has been as high as 61-62%, however, we have also had days where it is below our target. A lot of work is being done with our engineering team and operators onsite to integrate the renewables while ensuring stability of the electrical network, which has resulted in increased renewable penetration over the past few months. We still need to do more finetuning and this will focus on achieving higher levels of renewable generation consistently, which can withstand changes in weather and associated intermittency. But what has been achieved to date is nothing short of remarkable.”

The launch of Horizon Power’s Denham Hydrogen Demonstration Plant launch in November 2022 is another industry-leading project that Unwin says will provide valuable insights and lessons to support the commercialisation of renewable hydrogen power generation into the future.

“It was incredibly challenging from a project integration perspective, but I believe we are going to learn a lot from the project in the next 12 months, helping us to see if this is a viable solution and if so, how we might deploy hydrogen in our mix going forward,” she says.

“The WA EV Network is another exciting project—the Western Australian State Government’s $43.5 million investment to boost EV infrastructure around WA. Our bespoke approach to this project includes using a combination of solar and battery with a back-up diesel generator to power EV chargers in some of the state’s most remote locations. In conjunction with Synergy and on behalf of the State Government, we are installing 98 charging stations across Western Australia. It’s a massive effort and will provide valuable infrastructure which ultimately will hopefully drive the EV uptake and make it much easier for drivers to explore our wonderful state.

“It was great to be in Broome in July for the launch of our first EV fast charger on the Network and in Carnarvon in early September for the first charging station in the Gascoyne. I’m looking forward to getting out to other towns later this year as more of our fast chargers become operational.

“Finally, our emergency management response and the work our teams do to ensure supply of energy to our customers around the state—sometimes in the toughest of circumstances—is amazing to witness. Our response to the once in a 100-year floods in the Kimberley last summer, ensuring safe and reliable supply of energy to our customers, was arguably the most extensive in our history. It really displayed all that is great about Horizon Power and the people we are lucky enough to have working in our business.

“I am extremely proud of connecting what we do to the communities we serve—and all that flows from this. We are out there solving real problems in each of our communities, and proud to be delivering programs and initiatives which really support our customers, while also being at the cutting edge of the fast-moving energy transition.”

Related article: WA EV Network’s first DC fast charger in the Gascoyne

Inside Horizon Power

From an internal perspective, Unwin says Horizon Power is leading the way in the digital utility space, capturing smart data that allows teams to make informed decisions in regard to asset management and maintenance.

“The platform we are using is called SmartWorks, and we are currently trialling it in Broome,” she explains.

“This is a big change management piece because we are changing the way our employees have always done things, but the feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive. Our crews and asset managers are glad to be able to access important data which helps in their decision making.

“Another thing that really brings us together is how we collectively work in extraordinary times. There is always a cyclone or fire season depending on where you are in the state, which means we typically have something big happening every year. In those tough times we are pretty amazing, coming up with ingenious solutions, banding together, doing it in a time sensitive way that’s also respectful to our communities and coming together to get the job done.

“I think all of those things make for a great culture. I love going out to our regions and connecting with our workforce no matter where they are.

“I love coming to work each day. We have some brilliant minds who are working on great solutions, both in the field and in our offices, which will support us well into the future. You can’t help but be inspired when you see that going on around you every day.”

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Sandstone is the third regional Western Australian town to receive a centralised solar farm as part of Horizon Power’s Major Project’s Midwest Solar Program, following the successful completion of projects in Wiluna and Yalgoo.

Related article: Horizon Power purchases vanadium flow battery

Under this program, Horizon Power is installing centralised solar PV in six towns—five in the Mid West region and in Norseman in the Goldfields, increasing renewable energy penetration in these towns.

The new 163kW solar facility and 759kWh BESS unit in Sandstone integrates with the existing Sandstone power station and is now operational, following the completion of reliability testing.

The solar farm and BESS will provide a sustainable and efficient alternative for the towns that are currently relying on diesel generators for their energy needs. The excess electricity generated by the solar panels during the day can be stored in batteries for use during the night or on cloudy days, ensuring a consistent power supply even when the sun isn’t shining.

By generating and storing their own electricity, the towns will be able to significantly reduce their reliance on diesel generators—cutting down on fuel costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact associated with diesel combustion. The existing diesel system can then serve as a back-up.

The overall program, which will see Cue, Meekatharra and Norseman commission similar solutions, is expected to reduce 2,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum, saving an estimated $900,000 per annum, while improving fuel security and dampening the impact of fuel price fluctuation.

The program, supported with $13.5 million in Commonwealth funding, will support the State’s decarbonisation efforts.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said solar and battery installations offer an effective alternative energy solution in remote locations, providing annual operating cost savings and carbon emissions reductions.

Related article: Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program now open

“Towns in remote parts of Western Australia are heavily reliant on diesel for energy generation, which have high operational costs and associated emissions,” she explained.

“Horizon Power is committed to delivering green energy solutions that reduce operating costs and stimulate local economic activity, which in turn drives growth in regional WA and creates opportunities for the local community.”

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Community Partnerships Program applications are open until 28 August 2023, for initiatives supporting communities in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne/Mid West and Esperance/Goldfields regions. Successful recipients will be announced in October 2023.

Related article: Horizon Power awards $400,000 to regional communities

The latest round of partnerships builds on more than $400,000 which was awarded to 55 regional WA community organisations, through Round 6 of the program, earlier this year.
Horizon Power’s Community Partnerships Program provides $1.1 million each year to a range of organisations and initiatives that are having a positive, long-lasting impact on our remote and regional communities.

Since 2020, Horizon Power has proudly awarded more than $3 million to more than 250 regional initiatives, including youth projects, cultural events, community sport and recreation, environmental conservation, Aboriginal language programs and art workshops.

Horizon Power will provide information sessions in the regions and online, in early August, to provide not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities with the opportunity to learn more about the program and investment partnership packages available.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said the latest round of partnerships would support not-for-profit organisations in our regions who were feeling the strain of the rising cost of living and those who remain impacted by the devasting floods.

“We are committed to building vibrant communities in WA and this goes beyond providing power and building infrastructure,” she explained.

Related article: Horizon Power purchases vanadium flow battery

“Local organisations and events play such important roles in our regions, and we are proud to be supporting so many amazing grassroots initiatives which are making a real difference to the lives of so many people.”

More information about the 2023 Community Partnerships Program, dates for local information sessions and contact details for queries can be found here.

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Thee 220kWh vanadium flow battery, which can deliver up to 78kW of power, will be sourced from Invinity Energy Systems.

Related article: Australia’s first commercial-scale vanadium battery facility

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said the pilot would support the organisation’s focus on solving the important technical problem of long duration storage and performance in harsh conditions, providing a pathway to reaching its decarbonisation goals.

“Long duration energy storage provides backup power during times of peak demand or when the power supply is interrupted, storing high volumes of excess energy when demand is low and the ability to shift energy storage into the night. It can also minimise the need for costly fossil fuel generation and grid infrastructure upgrades,” Unwin said.

“The vanadium flow battery is specifically designed to deliver large amounts of energy over a long period of time and is temperature resilient, which is critical for our unique regional and remote networks.

“This is an exciting trial which will allow us to increase our understanding of the technology in a regional energy system and its ability to provide long periods of 100% renewable energy.”

Invinity Energy Systems chief commercial officer Matt Harper said, “Due to their durability, safety and reliability, vanadium flow batteries have a vital role to play in reducing the use of fossil fuels in power generation, particularly in remote communities. Invinity is pleased to be supplying this proven and commercialised technology, that has its roots in Australia, for VSUN Energy and Horizon Power who are spearheading the use of alternative-to-lithium batteries in an important market for Invinity.”

The use of long duration energy storage, in the form of vanadium flow batteries, could assist Horizon Power to accelerate the decarbonisation of its energy network, which covers 2.3 million square kilometres.

Related article: Vanadium to be ‘workhorse’ of battery/renewables sector

The vanadium flow battery will be used for Horizon Power’s long duration energy storage pilot which aims to increase understanding of how this technology can provide long periods of 100% renewable energy supply in regional and remote energy systems across Western Australia.

Site planning and development work is underway, with the battery to be delivered and installed later this year.

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Located at Town Beach carpark, Horizon Power’s 150kW fast charger will allow drivers to top up their electric vehicles in as little as 20 minutes.

Related article: WA to build Australia’s longest electric highway

Horizon Power’s next EV charging station will open in Carnarvon next month, while construction has started in Exmouth, Denham, Derby and Karratha.

The state government’s WA EV Network is being delivered by Horizon Power and Synergy and will include 98 charging stations across 49 locations connecting Perth and regional WA.

Horizon Power’s bespoke approach to this project includes using a combination of solar and battery, with a back-up diesel generator, to power its EV chargers in WA’s remote locations.
The WA EV Network is part of the government’s $43.5 million investment to boost EV infrastructure around the state,

The project is providing vital infrastructure for EV owners who will easily be able to travel Western Australia, with the average distance between charging stations around 200km.

The WA EV Network will be the longest in Australia stretching over 7,000km from Kununurra in the north, to Esperance in the south and east to Eucla. Geraldton and Northampton received the first fast chargers in April 2023.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “The evolution and uptake of electric vehicles is probably one of the biggest changes we’ll see to transport in our lifetime and having the right infrastructure in place is critical in reducing the barriers for EV use. Horizon Power is privileged to be delivering this vital infrastructure with Synergy and the WA State Government and being part of this important journey.

Related article: JET Charge selected for Australia’s longest EV highway

JET Charge CEO Tim Washington said robust and comprehensive EV charging infrastructure in regional locations like Broome was essential for accelerating the transition to electric mobility in Australia.

“It’s important that we recognise the significance of providing reliable and accessible charging infrastructure beyond major cities, instilling EV drivers with the confidence to explore our beautiful country knowing charging infrastructure is readily available,” he said.

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The company says Ms Unwin is a recognised energy industry leader, having held a number of senior executive roles with Synergy and Verve Energy between 2008 and 2017.

She will join the company from the CBH Group, where she is currently general manager Transformation and Technology.

Horizon Power Chairperson Stephen Edwell said the Board was delighted with Ms Unwin’s appointment to the business.

Related article: Powercor to plead guilty to powerline charges

“Stephanie has deep experience right across the electricity supply chain,” Mr Edwell said.

“Her experience in retail business strategy, business transformation, digitalisation, project management, and renewal energy project development are particularly relevant to Horizon Power as a vertically integrated electricity provider.

“I look forward to working closely with Stephanie as Horizon Power continues to focus on providing safe and reliable electricity for homes, business and the communities throughout regional and remote Western Australia.

Related article: Renewable investment confidence high in short term only

“I would especially like to thank Mike Houlahan for his leadership and substantial contributions to the business over the past five months in the role of acting CEO,” he said.

Mike Houlahan will continue in the role of acting CEO until Ms Unwin joins Horizon Power mid-March 2019.

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