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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AVESS will demonstrate its VFB prototype at Atlantic’s world-class Windimurra Vanadium Project, located 670km north of Perth and 80km from Mount Magnet, Western Australia.

Related article: AVESS to build vanadium flow battery plant in South Korea

The demonstration will integrate AVESS’ VFB prototype and solar PV into an existing disconnected microgrid to power non-essential loads on the Windimurra Vanadium Mine campsite.

The Atlantic partnership signifies a transformational opportunity for AVESS to validate its VFB technology with a proven vanadium developer while cementing AVESS’ position in the Australian mining sector and growing its VFB market share.

The two businesses will now work towards regulatory approvals and definitive agreements.

AVESS Energy managing director Young Yu said, “We are grateful for this opportunity to showcase our VFB, and we look forward to growing our partnership with Atlantic.

Related article: AVESS rebrands, reveals five-hour vanadium flow battery

“The deployment of our 50Kw/250Kwh VFB at Windimurra represents a significant milestone for AVESS Energy.

“This exciting partnership is another step towards the development of the local vanadium supply chain.”

The post AVESS inks vanadium flow battery demo deal with Atlantic appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Plans are progressing for the delivery of a new high-capacity common use transmission line to link renewable energy generation in the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area with Karratha and major Pilbara industry players.

Related article: Rio Tinto reveals plans for 80MW solar farm in Pilbara

Traditional Owners, the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, and Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation—who have formed an alliance for the project that is part of a working group with the state government—are continuing to work alongside Perdaman, Woodside, and Yara Pilbara on the groundbreaking development.

The project has the potential to be the first in the state to attract concessional finance from the Commonwealth’s Rewiring the Nation fund, up to $3 billion of which has been allocated to WA.

It is anticipated the Maitland-Karratha-Burrup line will provide the template for future common use renewable infrastructure to support the region’s decarbonisation.

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said, “Development of the planned Maitland-Karratha-Burrup line represents the first major step in decarbonising the Pilbara and will help drive my Government’s plans to make WA a green energy powerhouse.

Related article: GHD named engineer for WA’s Pilbara Green Link

“This project has strong potential to unlock additional job-creating opportunities on the Burrup Peninsula, while meeting growing demand for clean, reliable energy.

“With support for Traditional Owners and industry, this project has strong potential to create quality local jobs, build better regions and deliver economic growth that benefits all Western Australians.”

The post Plans progress on Pilbara’s first major transmission line appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

The Mt Weld hybrid power station will include a 24MW wind farm, 7MW solar farm, and a 12MW/12MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Related article: Zenith completes 16.9MW 5B solar farm at Jundee gold mine

The renewable facility will be supported by a 17MW gas-fired power station with 5MW of standby diesel generation. Upon completion, the total installed capacity of the Mt Weld Power Station will be approximately 65MW.

The term of the PPA is 15 years, commencing from commercial operation of the wind farm, which is scheduled to occur in calendar year 2026. The diesel and gas facilities are scheduled to be completed in the first half of calendar year 2025, with solar and BESS to be installed progressively, and full operation expected in calendar year 2026.

The Mt Weld Power Station has been designed to run “engine-off” during periods of high renewable energy production and achieve an average annual renewable energy percentage of up to approximately 70%.

Zenith CEO and managing director, Hamish Moffat said, “As a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions to the Australian resources market Zenith is pleased to be working with Lynas, the world’s only significant producer of separated rare earth materials outside of China, on the high renewable energy fraction hybrid power solution to their Mt Weld operations.

Related article: Zenith Energy wins Independent Power Producer award

“The signing of the Mt Weld Hybrid power station Power Purchase Agreement represents a significant milestone for Zenith Energy, with our contracted Wind Capacity now exceeding 100MW. Zenith looks forward to enabling Lynas to deliver on their productivity and decarbonisation objectives.”

The post Zenith to build hybrid renewables project in WA appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Pre-paid metering is mandated in many regional and remote Aboriginal communities and is associated with a high rate of disconnections and energy insecurity. Consumer protections for those customers vary across states and territories.

This project will help uncover the experiences of First Nations communities and people supplied by prepayment meters and find ways to ensure those households in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia receive the same critical consumer protections as people on post-paid arrangements.

Funded through an Energy Consumers Australia collaboration grant, Original Power, in partnership with researchers at Western Sydney University, will work with locally based First Nations researchers to lead, design and conduct community consultations in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to improve energy sector understanding of the lived experience of First Nations households and communities using pre-payment arrangements for electricity.

Related article: First Nations people must be at the forefront of Australia’s renewable energy revolution

Tangentyere Council, representing the Alice Springs town camps, will be involved in the project as one of the local First Nations researcher partners.

“It’s important that our mob understand how to manage power and gain information on pre-payment meters. We need to make this information available for everybody using pre-payment so our communities can have fairer access to electricity services,” Tangentyere Council senior Indigenous researcher Vanessa Napaltjari Davis said.

Original Power will then collaborate directly with government and regulatory agencies including retailers to analyse and share data and to identify and implement solutions that will help communities.

Retailers and networks who service First Nations communities and pre-payment customers in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia are encouraged to contact Original Power to take part in the project.

“Original Power is proud to work alongside Indigenous research partners across the continent on this major national study, shining a light on the underreported experience of First Nations energy customers who access electricity through pre-payment,” Original Power executive director Lauren Mellor said.

“First Nations pre-paid meter customers experience some of the highest rates of energy insecurity of any population in the world, with frequent and extended disconnections caused by a lack of affordable power and exacerbated by the automated disconnections inherent to pre-paid meters. These experiences significantly impact the lives of First Nations families and communities, undermining social and economic wellbeing.

“As this study kicks off in the Northern Territory and expands to other pre-paid meter regions across Australia, we look forward to working collaboratively with communities, service providers, retailers and regulators to find ways to improve energy security for all First Nations energy customers.”

Chantelle Johns, a Marlinja-based researcher said, “It’s important that a national study captures all of the issues, questions and concerns regarding prepayment meters and to gather real data on how we are impacted to help advocate for change in our communities so that pre-payment customers can achieve real energy security.”

Dr Thomas Longden from the Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC) at Western Sydney University said: “The impacts of regular disconnection from electricity in remote communities are often a blind spot for the Australian energy community.”

A previous study in Nature Energy, co-authored by Dr Longden and funded by Energy Consumers Australia, found that 91% of households experienced a disconnection from electricity in a year and 74% were disconnected more than 10 times.

Related article: New First Nations engagement guide for renewables industry

“While we know that energy insecurity is common, we need to better understand how we could improve energy affordability, access and reliability for pre-paid meter customers.

“Disconnections are common and increase during days of extreme heat and cold. All power is lost to the household so even the lights go off, which makes the house dangerous to be in as they get very dark. This also means that there is no heating or cooling. The fridge stops working and this could lead to food going off and essential medicines being spoilt.

“That places people at risk of critical health events, for example, diabetics need insulin, but it spoils when it is not stored in an operable fridge. There’s also an extremely high rate of kidney disease, which makes people very vulnerable to extreme heat.”

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Related article: Horizon Power community partnerships recipients announced

The program provides $1.1 million each financial year to community organisations, events and initiatives making a positive impact in our regional communities. It aims to support not-for-profit organisations and local governments, enriching the lives of residents within Horizon Power’s service area, which includes the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid West, Esperance and Goldfields regions.

Partnerships of up to $10,000 are available to successful applicants of initiatives within a single Horizon Power region and up to $50,000 for organisations that impact multiple regional communities.

In July 2023, Horizon Power took responsibility for the delivery of power for 117 Aboriginal communities in remote Western Australia. Since then, it has supported numerous remote communities with over $45,000 in partnerships, including Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre, Far North Community Services, Mulan Aboriginal Corporation and the Cycling Development Foundation.

Organisations based in or supporting these remote communities are encouraged to apply for a Horizon Power Community Partnership.

Horizon Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said, “The relationships we have with our regional communities are invaluable. The Community Partnerships Program is a way for us to strengthen these relationships, working together to achieve shared goals and create lasting impacts.

Related article: Horizon boosts solar access in Gascoyne and Mid West

“Our towns are made up of so many passionate people who work tirelessly to support their communities. The programs and events they run are making a real difference to the lives of many people and we are proud to be able to support them,” she said.

Applications for the latest round of partnerships close on August 19, 2024.

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Related article: Capacity Investment Scheme supercharged to 32GW

The WEM is separate to the National Electricity Market (NEM) and operates with a unique Reserve Capacity Mechanism (RCM). Tender 2 closely aligns with the RCM process and aims to deliver a pipeline of quality, bankable projects for inclusion in the mechanism.

This tender aims to deliver 500MW of 4-hour equivalent (or 2,000MWh) of clean dispatchable capacity. This will help support our energy system to reach 82% renewables by 2030.

Projects must be located in Western Australia; connect to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS); have a minimum storage duration of 2 hours; and have a minimum registered capacity of 30MW.

Following the successful June completion of the Stage A bids for CIS Tender 1, seeking generation capacity in the NEM, AEMO Services will administer the CIS tender 2 process on behalf of the Australian Government.

The Australian Government will run CIS tenders every 12 months for the WEM and every 6 months for the NEM until 2027.

Through the CIS, the government will seek competitive tender bids for renewable capacity and clean dispatchable capacity projects to deliver an additional 32GW of capacity by 2030 and deliver the Australian Government’s 82% renewable electricity by 2030 target.

Related article: Western Australia gets $3b funding for grid expansion

Project bids will close in mid-August and announcement of successful bids is expected in early 2025. Read the tender guidelines and submit a project bid here.

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The solar farm is the first proposed project the Ngarluma people and Rio Tinto will pursue after a memorandum of understanding was signed to explore opportunities for renewable energy projects on Ngarluma Country.

The project is expected to be located next to Rio Tinto’s existing Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha.

Related article: Rio Tinto to build two solar farms in the Northern Territory

This project has the potential to displace up to 11% of natural gas currently used for generation across Rio Tinto’s integrated mining operations in the Pilbara, reducing Rio Tinto’s emissions by up to 120kT CO2e per year once complete.

A feasibility study is expected to be completed in early 2025, with commissioning in 2027, subject to relevant approvals and final investment decision.

It is estimated that 600MW to 700MW of renewable energy will be required by 2030 to displace the majority of gas use across Rio Tinto’s Pilbara power network, while additional renewable energy will be required to support widespread fleet electrification, which is expected after 2030.

Rio Tinto managing director rail, port and core services Richard Cohen said, “We’re incredibly proud to progress this project along with the Ngarluma people and are grateful for their effort and support to reach this important milestone.

“Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions—they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People.

“This project underscores the significance of our long-term relationship with the Ngarluma people and demonstrates our commitment to working together to contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Related article: Rio Tinto, Windlab ink Australia’s largest renewables PPA

Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation CEO Ljuba Mojovic said, “We’re fortunate to embark on our first renewable energy project with Rio Tinto to reduce emissions and to create economic opportunities for the Ngarluma People.

“The solar farm project will enable NAC to realise sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara.

“This project development is a testament to the enduring strength of our special relationship with Rio Tinto and our shared commitment to working together to create a more sustainable future.”

The post Rio Tinto reveals plans for 80MW solar farm in Pilbara appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: Hydrogen heads meet in nation’s capital to discuss priorities

The project, which is now fully operational, includes a 704kW solar farm, 348kW hydrogen electrolyser and a 100kW fuel cell located in Denham, providing an innovative alternative to diesel generators. It is expected to offset 140,000 litres of diesel each year.

The unique integration of renewable energy and hydrogen components sets the project apart from others in Australia.

The Public Knowledge Sharing Report will help to advance learnings in technology, costs, regulatory requirements as well as the community sentiment around using hydrogen as a fuel source.

It will be used to determine how hydrogen technology can be applied in other remote microgrids.

The project was funded by the Western Australian Government, including through the Renewable Hydrogen Fund and Horizon Power, and ARENA‘s Advancing Renewables Program.

WA Premier Roger Cook said, “I want to see WA become a renewable energy powerhouse, and hydrogen will have an important role to play in our clean energy future.

“This innovative project helps to reduce our reliance on diesel in remote areas, delivering cleaner, affordable and reliable power for Denham.

Related article: Aussie breakthrough to slash green hydrogen costs by 40%

“The knowledge we’ve gained through this pilot project will help to guide future remote uses of renewable hydrogen across WA and the rest of the nation.”

The post Findings shared from Australia’s first hydrogen microgrid appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

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.”

The post Horizon boosts solar access in Gascoyne and Mid West appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Synergy has awarded the contract to construct the switchyard works to SCEE Electrical – which is already undertaking $160 million worth of civil, electrical, and major equipment installation works.

Related article: Neoen wins contract for Collie Battery Stage 2 in WA

The new scope of works will deliver a 330kV switchyard, substation and support ancillary buildings and equipment to connect the Collie battery to Western Power’s network.

The 500MW/2GWh Collie battery is due to be completed late in 2025. It will be one of the biggest battery energy storage systems in Australia.

Battery energy storage systems collect excess energy from rooftop solar and wind farms during the day and release it when needed in the evening and at peak times.

With state-owned coal-fired power stations due to be retired by 2030, the state government has committed $2.3 billion for Synergy to deliver new battery storage to support renewable energy integration and grid stability.

Local member for Collie Jodie Hanns said, “Collie will be home to one of the largest battery storage systems in the world once this project is complete.

Related article: Construction starts on 500MW Collie Battery in WA

“It means Collie will continue to play a vital role in the energy system for decades to come, having powered WA for over a century.

“As we move to renewable energy and battery storage, this project adds to the legacy of a community who is committed to playing its role in the future energy needs of the state.”

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Related article: UGL wins Western Power electrical maintenance contract

With anticipated industrial growth in the Pilbara and an expected load increase of more than 140% by 2045, the project is key to achieving an integrated energy grid and providing renewable energy for both existing and new industries in the region.

The Pilbara Green Link involves the installation of 550km of high-voltage 330kV transmission lines intended to connect Horizon Power’s current transmission infrastructure with the Australian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH) and other proposed large scale renewable developments. This connection will enable the provision of green energy to consumers in Port Hedland and the Central Pilbara.

GHD is responsible for delivery of the preliminary design of the transmission lines and substations, with the preliminary engineering phase scheduled for completion by March 2025.

Aligned with the Western Australian Government’s Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy, which has identified decarbonising the North West Interconnected System as a priority to meet Western Australia’s 2050 net zero emission targets, the Pilbara Green Link is set to transform the energy landscape in North West Western Australia.

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

It marks a significant step in transitioning the Pilbara region towards a low-carbon future, driving economic prosperity and the activation of Strategic Industrial Areas, including Boodarie in Port Hedland and Maitland in Karratha.

The post GHD named engineer for WA’s Pilbara Green Link appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: Windlab’s Gawara Baya Wind Farm gets green light

Located near Moodiarrup, approximately 55km South-East of Collie and 30km South of Darkan in the Shire of West Arthur, the project is on track to become a significant addition to Western Australia’s renewable energy portfolio.

Hosting up to 100 wind turbines, the Ambrosia Wind Farm is expected to produce more than 600MW of clean, sustainable energy. This capacity translates to an anticipated annual energy generation of approximately 1.8TWh—enough to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes across Western Australia.

Green Wind Renewables will soon be kicking off community consultation and neighbour engagement processes as part of the development of the project.

In addition to its economic benefits, the Ambrosia Wind Farm project also promises significant environmental advantages. With an eye on combating climate change, the project is expected to offset more than 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, emphasising the urgency of transitioning towards renewable energy sources.

Related article: Work starts on Stage 2 of Golden Plains Wind Farm

In 2023, Green Wind Renewables and Macquarie Asset Management signed a partnership agreement to deliver a portfolio of large-scale wind farm projects in WA, totalling up to 2.4GW.

The post Green Wind reveals plan for 600MW wind farm in WA appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: UGL and CPB Contractors to construct HumeLink West

UGL will provide distribution and transmission overhead maintenance services across Western Power’s network. The five-year agreement is expected to generate revenue of more than $125 million for UGL.

The works will be delivered across Western Australia’s SWIS, stretching from Kalbarri in the North to Kalgoorlie in the East and Albany in the South. The SWIS comprises of both transmission and distribution networks and serves the majority of Western Australia’s population with over 2.3 million customers.

UGL managing director Doug Moss said, “UGL is a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of critical energy infrastructure across Australia. We have a deep history and strong presence in Western Australia, where we are currently constructing renewable energy generation assets and working with other resources and energy clients to assist with the energy transition. We look forward to working with Western Power to support the ongoing safe and reliable provision of Western Australia’s energy needs.”

Western Power CEO Sam Barbaro said, “Western Power looks forward to working with UGL. This additional capacity will help us deliver our existing and future work program.”

The first-year work includes pole replacements, reconductoring, cross arm and cross beam replacements, defect repairs, and line removal. The contract includes a range of services including transmission overhead maintenance and siliconing.

Related article: Western Power issues notices for private power poles

UGL will begin work on Western Power’s network in the coming weeks, with the UGL team based at Canning Vale.

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