Energy Queensland has partnered with GreenSync to create Australia’s largest ‘virtual power plant’ (VPP).
The VPP was launched by Treasurer Curtis Pitt at the Powering North Queensland Summit in Townsville on Friday.
Mr Pitt said the virtual power plant was a cloud-based, load control system created to manage extreme electricity demand during severe temperature events.
“This virtual power plant system will have a positive impact on the affordability, reliability and sustainability of electricity supply during these severe events,” he said.
“This partnership creates a real view to putting downward pressure on the cost of electricity for customers, with a particular focus on helping businesses manage their input costs.
“In doing this, Energy Queensland is helping make businesses more competitive while also stimulating the economy.”
Energy Queensland executive general manager for Energy Services Charles Rattray said the long-term partnership between Energy Queensland and GreenSync would deliver the best possible solutions for customers.
“Energy Queensland’s Energy Services division was launched to lead new technology deployment to focus on putting downward pressure on costs for customers, improving security of supply and facilitating the uptake of renewable energy sources,” he said.
“We are seeking to manufacture some of the hardware required to deliver this new technology right here in Queensland.
“Under this partnership, we are enrolling customers into the virtual power plant platform ahead of peak summer demand.
“This innovative approach will also increase network resilience through increased automation and speed of response, grouping assets as portfolios to react to challenges and seize opportunities.”
GreenSync CEO Phil Blythe said it was great to see Energy Queensland looking to technology to create innovative solutions for distributed energy across the state.
“The application of GreenSync’s technology is going underpin the broader strategy for Energy Queensland and set the foundation for their energy future,” he said.
“This is a significant project for the people of Queensland and we’re thrilled to be working with Energy Services.
“With the rise of solar and battery storage, this partnership is going to better harness distributed energy resources and deliver increased befits for the community and the grid as a whole.”