Queensland electricity distributors Ergon Energy Network and Energex (part of Energy Queensland) have been named the 2021 Energy Network Industry Innovation Award recipient.

The winning project is an Australian-first implementation of a digital system to generate a complete and consistent picture of the operational state of the grid. This supports the integration of distributed energy resources (DER) like rooftop solar PV so more customers can export solar, voltage impacts on the grid can be mitigated and power quality can be improved.

The award was presented virtually by judging panel Chair and Energy Networks Australia (ENA) General Manager Networks Jill Cainey and in person to Energy Queensland CEO Rod Duke by ENA’s Head of Regulation Lucy Moon.

ENA CEO Andrew Dillon said the work had delivered innovative, data-driven solutions to the challenges the massive growth of rooftop solar was presenting for Queensland’s electricity system.

“This ground-breaking project will help Energex and Ergon deliver more for customers while reducing the network expenditure needed to manage DER impacts, improve power quality and help our transition to a decarbonised electricity system,” he said.

Energy Queensland CEO Rod Duke said the project exemplified an innovative approach to addressing the complex engineering challenges presented by the rapid growth of solar PV.

“Our focus has been on increasing solar opportunities for customers while supporting the safe, reliable and equitable operation of the grid and keeping costs down,” he said.

“We are very proud to have this work recognised with this award.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Tamatha Smith, 0433 569 701.

Energy Networks Australia is the national industry body representing Australia’s electricity transmission and distribution and gas distribution networks. Our members provide more than 16 million electricity and gas connections to almost every home and business across Australia.