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.”

The post Horizon Power completes Smart Connect Solar roll-out 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.

Powerlink will work collaboratively alongside 11 regional NRM organisations, on key aspects including the management of environmental offsets to ensure social and environmental benefits for communities, landscapes and future generations.

Related article: Work begins on Queensland’s CopperString 2032

It recognises the opportunity to develop projects across Queensland that support both sectors to be nature positive, while balancing affordability, security and reliability of the electricity network. The partnership also helps to facilitate the successful transition of an electricity network which is becoming more weather affected.

Powerlink executive general manager of network and business development Stewart Bell said, “Powerlink is playing a vital role in delivering Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy future by building the connections between generators and Queenslanders.

“Partnerships like this will also allow us to make meaningful contributions to enhancing Queensland’s natural resources.

“We see this is as not only a way to offset environmental impacts but also to understand how we can do more to ensure future generations can benefit from the rich environment Queensland has to offer.”

Natural Resource Management Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said, “The purpose of this agreement is to drive innovation that supports both the energy and natural resource management sector to be nature positive.

“We are hoping to develop a program of collaborative offsets with an initial focus on environmental restoration offsets.

Related article: Endangered parrots arrive at Tasmanian Gas Pipeline

“Like Powerlink, we have a long-term vision for a healthier environment built on foundations of dedication and trust.

“Together we want to develop leading practice around strategic environmental offsets and limit the impacts any action—such as renewable energy projects—might have on the environment.”

The post Powerlink inks NRM partnership for energy transition appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Momentum Energy’s VEN leverages the Enosi Powertracer Platform to facilitate the seamless virtual transfer of the benefits of locally generated solar energy across Port of Brisbane sites.

Related article: Momentum Energy incentivises customers to quit gas

The VEN enables commercial and industrial customers to virtually share the benefits of their excess solar between multiple sites, financially offsetting their energy consumption from the grid. The VEN will soon be available to small business customers as well.

Momentum’s VEN is particularly suited for organisations that produce more solar than they can use at a single location and want to ‘share’ that across locations that can’t host a solar array, that want to reduce power costs with solar, and that prefer to trade their own solar than purchase and transfer Large Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs).

The Port of Brisbane is Momentum’s first Virtual Energy Network customer. When it built its International Cruise Terminal in 2020, it installed an 800kW rooftop solar system that generated more electricity than it could use at the passenger terminal.

Under the VEN, Port of Brisbane can now virtually share the benefits of that locally generated solar across its other PBPL-operated sites at the Port.

Instead of Port of Brisbane receiving a small feed-in tariff, Momentum financially offsets that excess solar production against the energy used at other PBPL-operated sites, which has led to significant energy cost savings and greater utilisation of solar generated.

Momentum Energy managing director Lisa Chiba said that while the Port of Brisbane VEN was about maximising the benefits of an existing solar installation, other businesses might utilise a VEN to invest in larger solar arrays than originally planned.

“With a faster return on investment, Momentum’s VEN might incentivise C&I customers to invest in solar on a much larger scale than they normally would,” she said.

Related article: Adelaide Airport to almost triple rooftop solar system

Participation in the VEN is currently open to eligible commercial and industrial customers who have an energy contract with Momentum. In the Port of Brisbane’s case, they have a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) through which they purchase renewable energy certificates (LGCs) from the Granville Harbour Wind Farm in Tasmania.

Momentum Energy is owned by Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest generator of renewable energy.

The post Virtual energy network helping businesses boost solar appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

The Time is Now report shows that there are opportunities within the distribution grid that can be unlocked and enabled now, to deliver more benefits for customers.

Related article: Champion of change: Dominique van den Berg

Energy Networks Australia CEO Dom van den Berg said we must look beyond the traditional role of distribution networks as just poles and wires.

“Findings show that if we act now to get the distribution grid doing more heavy lifting, customers can save around $160 per year and avoid $7 billion in overall system costs in 2030 alone. The nation will also be better positioned to achieve its 82% renewables target by 2030,” she said.

“We absolutely need to make sure we are pulling all levers. That includes keeping focused on the large-scale renewable projects and the vital transmission infrastructure we need to connect them. While we do that, it also makes good sense to do everything we can at a local level to bring down bills and provide more services to customers.

“We must get smarter with how we use existing infrastructure, how we maximise rooftop solar, how and where we store and manage it locally, and how we get more EV chargers in more places.

“There is a clear opportunity to get the local grid doing more of the heavy lifting in the energy transition and achieve greater savings for customers by 2030, but that window of opportunity is closing.”

The report calls for changes that can be delivered today through the right policy decisions, and fit-for-purpose regulatory settings. The recommendations include:

1. Link local energy hubs by linking locally-generated solar with unused capacity in the grid to operate as ‘local energy hubs’ for all the community to benefit from.
2. Amplify untapped solar opportunities by introducing incentives for large commercial properties to install more solar panels on existing rooftops and share it with the local community.
3. Soak up the surplus solar by having large batteries attached to the existing grid infrastructure so that local customers get the full benefits of solar and grid connected batteries.
4. Plug in more EV chargers by enabling networks to install and maintain kerbside (power poles) charging at pace to put more chargers in more places, ensuring an equitable rollout of chargers and reducing customers’ range anxiety.
5. Sync with the grid by connecting and coordinating all energy resources so that we better utilise our existing poles and wires, while maximising the benefits to customers.

The Time is Now features extensive modelling by independent experts L.E.K. Consulting. Modelling scenarios show that individual actions deliver customer benefits, but a combination of these actions would deliver even more benefits.

Related article: “Batteries on wheels”: EVs bolster power grid during blackout

The post Report highlights distribution grid’s potential in transition appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

ZEN Energy will supply SBS’s New South Wales and Victoria-based operations with 100% renewable energy over the next 10 years with Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) uniquely paired with the 226.8MW Collector Wind Farm in NSW.

Related article: ZEN proposes 1GW Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project

SBS is the first Australian media organisation to switch to 100% renewable energy in FY23. This commitment will now be achieved over the long term through the 10-year agreement with ZEN.

SBS has set the most ambitious target of any Australian media outlet, to reach net zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045. SBS has also partnered with Scope3 to measure emissions from advertising technology, affording advertising clients greater transparency of carbon emissions from their advertising campaigns.

ZEN was Australia’s first energy company to commit to the global Science-based Targets initiative for corporate action on climate change. SBS has also applied to have its net zero targets validated by the initiative.

RATCH-Australia’s Collector Wind Farm commenced full operations in 2021 and consists of 54 turbines collectively producing 528GWh each year, capable of powering 80,000 NSW homes and saving close to 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emission each year. The wind farm project has also involved an industry-leading community benefit sharing scheme.

Related article: Flow Power inks solar PPA with Asahi and BaptistCare

SBS head of sustainability Abigail Thomas said, “This 10-year agreement with ZEN Energy through wind power ensures that SBS’s commitment to carbon reduction is not just a short-term initiative but a long-term strategy.

“By securing a decade of 100% renewable energy, we are taking significant steps towards our net zero targets and demonstrating our dedication to sustainability efforts and innovation in Australia’s media sector.”

The post SBS becomes Australia’s first 100% renewable broadcaster appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Around 1,600 ETU members have voted in favour of a range of industrial actions across Sydney and parts of regional New South Wales starting from August 1, claiming Ausgrid has refused to agree to a wage increase that recognises the rise in the cost of living.

Related article: Transgrid and Endeavour Energy workers begin 24-hour strike

While emergency work will not be affected by the action, households and businesses could experience maintenance delays and other inconveniences unless Ausgrid offers workers a payrise that helps them keep up with the soaring cost of living.

Ausgrid is the third major power company in NSW in a dispute about giving workers the pay and conditions they deserve, joining Transgrid and Endeavour Energy.

ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks said, “The millions of Australians who rely on the east coast’s largest electricity distributor should be alarmed to learn how Ausgrid is treating its staff, who keep their power running and their lights on day in and day out,” he said.

“Ausgrid’s insulting pay offer has left workers with no choice but to launch industrial action including work stoppages.

“ETU members haven’t yet received an offer that will allow them to keep up with cost of living increases. They have no choice but to continue to exercise their legal right to withdraw their labour until they get an offer that doesn’t send their wages backwards.”

An Ausgrid spokesperson told Energy Source & Distribution, “Ausgrid is disappointed by the Electrical Trade Union’s decision to reject an offer of a new Enterprise Agreement and undertake protected industrial action.

“On 12 July, Ausgrid put forward a strong offer as part of our Enterprise Agreement renewal. Our three-year offer includes a first-year increase of 7% plus 0.5 % super increase, a second-year increase of 2.7% (or CPI if it is higher) plus 0.5% super increase and a third-year increase of 2.7% (or CPI if it is higher). Ausgrid already provides superannuation at 15.5% per annum. This offer will take our super contribution to Enterprise Agreement employees to 16.5% in year 2. Further, our offer maintains all conditions with a number of added enhancements.”

Ausgrid group executive of people and culture Celina Cross said the wage offer was fair and reasonable.

“We respect the rights of the ETU, however, we are disappointed this action has been taken,” she said.

Related article: Ausgrid switches on new community battery in Warriewood

“Our offer is fair and reasonable for our people and affordable for communities we serve.
“It recognises cost of living pressures and rewards our people for their hard work. In addition, it ensures Ausgrid remains a great place to work where safety is our priority.

“Ausgrid continues to hold weekly discussions in good faith with all parties to reach an agreement.”

The post Ausgrid union workers to strike this week over pay 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.”

The post New research project to improve First Nations energy security appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Transgrid has awarded cadetships to Charles Sturt University engineering students Alex Price and Imani Dunne who will earn while they learn from experts delivering transmission infrastructure essential to realising Australia’s clean energy transition.

Related article: Transgrid scholarships to help accelerate energy transition

Transgrid executive general manager of people and culture Stephen McSweeney said, “Transgrid is delighted to expand our partnership with Charles Sturt University. We have already implemented a $2 million scholarship program to support 100 engineering students at the university’s Bathurst campus over seven years and now we are taking our commitment even further.

“This new cadetship program will provide participants with valuable opportunities to develop their skills in a real-world work environment, learn from professionals working on Australia’s largest electricity transmission network, and contribute to nation-critical transmission projects.”

Price and Dunne have started their one-year cadetships with Transgrid, working on major transmission projects HumeLink and EnergyConnect respectively. They recently moved to Wagga Wagga after studying at the university’s Bathurst campus.

Dunne, who also received a $20,000 scholarship from Transgrid last year to support her studies, is keen to learn more about the clean energy transition and make a contribution to such a significant project as EnergyConnect.

“I’m looking forward to developing my skills as an engineer through onsite learning and finding new things to love about working as an engineer that I wouldn’t find studying in a classroom,” she said.

“It’s great that I’ve been given the opportunity to experience what it is like working as an engineer within a large company on a large project.

“I applied for the cadetship program to learn from industry professionals and experts within Transgrid.

“Having done design work within my studies at Charles Sturt University I am very excited to learn more about the construction side of engineering projects as well as the way civil engineering and electrical engineering coincide within the projects.”

Price said he is keen to diversify his skillset as part of the HumeLink team by learning about engineering design to complement his experience in construction engineering.

“Having previously done various civil projects, I am looking forward to delving into the electrical infrastructure side of civil engineering,” he said.

Related article: Transgrid names former Origin boss Grant King as chair

“I am also excited to experience the opportunity that a larger company provides and develop my engineering and personal skills by learning from the many professionals and experts within Transgrid.”

Transgrid will offer up to five cadetships each year to Charles Sturt University engineering students.

The post Future engineers join Transgrid cadetship program appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Brett, please tell us a bit about your professional background:

I began my journey with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Queensland, which set the foundation for my career in the energy sector. After completing my studies, I took on various roles where I managed operations and engineering teams, implementing lean transformations and improving product competitiveness. A significant milestone in my career was co-founding Kaon Electric. Here, we developed the Fusesaver medium voltage circuit breaker to enhance the reliability of rural power distribution. Our success in innovation eventually led to the acquisition by Siemens, marking a pivotal moment in my professional journey. I’ve worked with Siemens for nearly 12 years now. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a passion for developing technologies that contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future. This passion continues to guide my work at Siemens, where we aim to shape a better future for all.

Related article: Siemens partners with renewables developer Marathon Group

Having been with Siemens for over a decade, what are some of the biggest changes in the energy sector you’ve witnessed?

The energy landscape in Australia has undergone remarkable transformations. One of the most significant changes is the rapid pace of the energy transition towards renewables. Developing new technologies and adopting digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and IoT has been a major game-changer. Digitalisation plays a crucial role in the transition process. Being at the forefront of developing and deploying technologies that shape the future of energy excites me and has been incredibly rewarding.

What are some of the major challenges of electrification in the energy transition, from your perspective?

For most people, the electrical grid might seem invisible, but it’s the backbone of our energy transition journey. We can’t keep expanding the network as we’ve done in the past, so we need to focus on three key areas to make this transition successful. First, we must maximise our existing infrastructure and the latest technology. This can help us achieve significant efficiency gains, which are crucial for our goals. Second, we must improve the transparency of lower-voltage electrical networks. This means giving everyone involved a better understanding of the system, which can lead to smarter decisions and better overall performance. Lastly, it’s important to understand that sustainability and grid stability go hand in hand. Many people think they’re opposites, but they actually support each other. We need to balance both.

What solutions is Siemens developing in response to these challenges?

The electrical grid is crucial for a successful energy transition. Wherever utilities are in their journey, they turn to us for help. Our sustainable hardware, software, and advanced digital solutions are designed to reduce CO2 footprints while transforming grids into autonomous, resilient, and sustainable power networks. At Siemens, technology and sustainability aren’t just ideals—they drive our business. Our Electrification and Automation portfolio works to eliminate F-gases from switchgear with our blue GIS (gas-insulated switchgear). We are also starting to support hydrogen projects as an alternative energy source and help customers integrate renewables and manage uncertainties with our automation and microgrid solutions. We are collaborating with companies leading renewable deployment projects. Our market-leading portfolio includes state-of-the-art hardware and digital solutions, and combined with our global presence, financing capabilities, and project delivery expertise, we help partners accelerate the move to 24/7 clean energy. This commitment underscores our dedication to driving change, creating value, and shaping a sustainable future for everyone.

With multiple forms of generation and storage technologies forming part of the grid, what are some of the major considerations in terms of grid intelligence, resilience and stability?

The shift towards decentralised renewable energy generation and mobile loads like EV charging has made grid management more complex, especially at lower voltage levels with less transparency. To achieve grid reliability and stability, we need better transparency and digitalisation. Digitalisation is key. Advanced technologies like cloud computing, digital solutions, and decentralised grid intelligence at low voltage levels will be crucial for navigating the energy transition. Our latest addition to our portfolio is Electrification X, a highly scalable Internet-of-Things SaaS solution designed to transform electrification infrastructure. It merges the real and digital worlds, helping renewable generators, transmission and distribution system operators, and industrial and infrastructure customers manage their entire energy networks. This leads to increased uptime, improved reliability, better asset utilisation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and cybersecurity. By adopting this approach, grid operators can enhance grid intelligence and resilience, accelerate the energy transition, and gain a competitive edge.

Related article: Sustainable switch: Ausgrid first to install Siemens’ blue GIS

Any final thoughts?

Australia has all the ingredients to be a renewable energy superpower. We need to stay focused on increasing the speed of deployment and, as we focus on generating enough green energy to meet base load needs, we need to also push ahead strongly with creating adequate storage to support what is generated. This task will be the focus of our generation, and I am proud that our team here and Siemens globally are making profound contributions to this mission.

The post 5 Minutes With: Brett Watson, Siemens Australia and NZ appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

The annual apprenticeship program offers candidates a chance to become lineworkers, cable jointers, substation electricians or meter technicans. The four-year apprenticeship positions are available across regional and metropolitan areas, including Burnley, Brooklyn, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Colac, Mildura, Warrnambool, Maryborough, Horsham, Kyneton and Echuca.

Related article: Tunnels reveal Melbourne’s past—and future

The successful candidates will join a growing cohort of more than 200 apprentices employed by CitiPower and Powercor over the past decade.

Powercor head of operations and delivery Barry David said it was the only opportunity to join a Victorian electricity network business directly as an apprentice lineworker.

“Our apprenticeships provide the best start to what can be a fulfilling and lifelong career,” he said.

“No two days are ever the same as a lineworker. One day you may be replacing poles, upgrading powerlines or connecting the latest renewable project, and then the next you could be responding to a major weather event, helping get the power back on to homes and businesses.”

The new recruits will join a 700-strong in-house field workforce, with the majority of these having started their careers as apprentices with the business. The selection process involves written, practical and interview-based selection criteria. Last year, a record number of women joined the business as apprentices.

“Having the right people in these roles is as essential as the poles and wires that deliver the power,” David said.

“To make sure we are ready for the future, we are building a diverse workforce and want people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to apply.

Related article: Powercor starts construction of new Echuca depot

“We want people with the right attitude, who like working in teams, are committed to safety and are excited about contributing to their local communities. They’ll love outdoor work, they’re happy working at heights in all weather, and enjoy practical, hands-on learning.”

To apply, candidates must have completed, or be completing, Year 11 VCE or VCAL and achieved a pass in General Maths/Numeracy or have completed (or be completing) a pre-apprenticeship TAFE training course in Electrotechnology (Cert II).

The post Lineworker apprenticeship recruitment drive underway appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

AusNet CEO David Smales said the new vision, which is to be ‘trusted to bring the energy today and build a cleaner tomorrow,’ has been established to guide the actions and decisions of the company through the energy transition.

“I have established a new leadership team to deliver on this vision and drive an increased focus on delivering improved outcomes for our customers, communities, key stakeholders and our business,” Smales said.

AusNet’s new leadership team has been structured to provide increased executive focus on four lines of business: electricity transmission, electricity distribution, gas and metering, and contestable energy infrastructure. This means it will shift from a functional operating model to a line of business operating model.

Related article: AusNet rolls out community response vehicles for outages

“Each business leader has been tasked with achieving exceptional performance outcomes for their respective community, customer and stakeholder groups, whilst enabling an efficient energy transition,” Smales said.

The executive leadership team is as follows:

• Liz Ryan will lead the Victorian Electricity Transmission business
• Andrew Linnie will lead the Victorian Electricity Distribution business
• Fran Duiker will lead the Victorian Gas and Metering business (on an acting basis)
• Jon D’Sylva will lead AusNet’s contestable Development and Future Networks business.

The four lines of business will be supported by five enabling functions:

• Mark Ellul, Chief Financial Officer
• Bridget Cairns, Executive General Manager People and Safety
• Amanda Robertson, Executive General Manager Compliance, Risk and Corporate Affairs
• Chris Galland, Chief Technology Officer (Acting)
• Sarah Hannah, Executive General Manager Group Operations (Acting).

The post AusNet announces new operating model and leadership appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Asahi Beverages, Australia’s leading beverages company, has signed another Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Flow Power, moving closer to its target of having 100% of purchased electricity sourced from or offset by renewables by 2025.

Related article: Ampcontrol inks 10-year PPA with Flow Power

BaptistCare, a leading provider of aged care and community services, has also signed two PPAs with Flow Power, one of which is linked to New England Solar commencing in 2025.

For BaptistCare, its 10-year solar-and-wind PPA will allow it to reduce the carbon footprint of its NSW and ACT operations by 70%, and plays a key role in the organisation’s plan to become net zero no later than 2050.

Flow Power CEO Byron Serjeantson said, “We are thrilled to be an ongoing part of Asahi and BaptistCare’s journey towards 100% renewable electricity.

“At Flow Power, we are proud to partner with projects that set the industry standard for sustainability and community consultation.”

New England Solar, an ACEN Australia project, at full development of 720MW is expected to power an estimated 300,000 homes a year.

Related article: Symbiotic solar: Merino sheep flock to New England Solar

ACEN Australia managing director David Pollington said the agreement with Flow Power was another milestone for the company’s inaugural project, New England Solar, which stands as a major contributor to the NEM.

“We have a bold strategy to help Australia transition to a clean energy future, and we are excited by this offtake with Flow Power, enabling us to bring more renewable energy projects to life and clean electricity for Australian homes and businesses,” he said.

The post Flow Power inks solar PPA with Asahi and BaptistCare appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.

Related article: World-first cybercrime index ranks countries by threat level

This is four times higher than the global cross-sector median. In addition, 49% of ransomware attacks against these two critical infrastructure sectors started with an exploited vulnerability.

Data for the State of Ransomware in Critical Infrastructure 2024 report comes from 275 respondents at energy, oil and gas, and utilities organisations.

“Criminals focus where they can cause the most pain and disruption so the public will demand quick resolutions, and they hope, ransom payments to restore services more quickly,” said Chester Wisniewski, global field CTO.

On top of growing recovery costs, the median ransom payment for organisations in these two sectors jumped to more than $2.5 million in 2024—$500,0000 higher than the global cross-sector median.

The energy and water sectors also reported the second highest rate of ransomware attacks. Overall, 67% of the organizations in these sectors reported being hit by ransomware in 2024, in comparison to the global, cross-sector average of 59%.

Other findings from the report include:

• The energy and water sectors reported increasingly longer recovery times. Only 20% of organisations hit by ransomware were able to recover within a week or less in 2024, compared to 41% in 2023 and 50% in 2022. Fifty-five percent took more than a month to recover, up from 36% in 2023. In comparison, across all sectors, only 35% of companies took more than a month to recover.
• These two critical infrastructure sectors reported the highest rate of backup compromise (79%) and the third highest rate of successful encryption (80%) when compared to the other industries surveyed.

Related article: Improving the cyber resilience of Australia’s energy sector

“Utilities must recognise they are being targeted and take proactive action to monitor their exposure of remote access and network devices for vulnerabilities and ensure they have 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities to minimise outages and shorten recovery times,” Wisniewski said.

The post Energy sector ransomware recovery costs have quadrupled appeared first on Energy Source & Distribution.