Horizon Power will introduce new Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS) to Western Australia’s regional microgrids, allowing rooftop solar, battery, and electric vehicle customers to safely integrate with utility-owned energy resources.
DERMS can monitor and orchestrate generation from customers in real-time, and will be rolled out in Broome in early 2023, and then other regional microgrids by mid-2024.
Using predictive analytics, including weather pattern analysis, the technology forecasts energy generation and demand – to ensure the energy system remains stable.
Energy Minister for Western Australia, Bill Johnston, said the technology would increase the viability of solar generation in regional areas.
“A Distributed Energy Resources Management System will allow Horizon Power to safely integrate more customer and utility solar into its networks than ever before,” Mr Johnston said.
“The technology system will increase solar access for regional and remote areas, and give customers an opportunity to lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.”
Last year, Horizon Power delivered a demonstration of the technology, which enabled more than four times the amount of rooftop solar to be installed compared to a traditional energy system.
The DERMS was able to safely integrate high levels of rooftop solar and storage – along with utility owned renewables, to power the town of Onslow with 100 per cent renewable energy.
