Victoria-based DON Smallgoods has joined Enel X’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP), with its Castlemaine facility set to play an important role in supporting the electricity network during peak times.
VPPs can help take pressure off the electricity network by working with energy users to reduce their demand when the grid needs it most. When orchestrated to reduce energy use at the same time, the effect on the system is like bringing another power plant online.
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DON Smallgoods operations director Sean Kenny said, “Joining Enel X’s VPP is an important step in how we manage energy more intelligently. By being flexible with our electricity use, we’re helping to strengthen the grid as it transitions to renewables and contribute to electricity reliability for our community. It’s a practical example of our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
“Working with Enel X, we identified two key ways to participate in the VPP; temporarily powering down refrigeration units within safe operating parameters; and repurposing our co-generation units as a flexible energy resource. This will help to safeguard supply for the broader community while maintaining production continuity.”
Major users such as factories are compensated to use less energy for short periods to incentivise their participation. It is a fast, reliable and low-cost solution to fill shortfalls in energy supply.
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DON Smallgoods is the third George Western Foods business to join the Enel X VPP, following Tip Top and Mauri, as the company continues to lead by example in supporting a more reliable, sustainable and resilient energy system as it takes on more renewable energy.
Enel X’s VPP manages more than 900MW across 670-plus sites in Australia and New Zealand.
